The Bergen test (Bergenstesten)
Bergenstesten – officially «Test i norsk – høyere nivå» (Test in Norwegian – advanced level) – is the exam for documenting advanced Norwegian. Here's an overview and some solid advice. Always check the latest information from Folkeuniversitetet.
We teach Bokmål, the written standard most people in Norway use.
In short: Bergenstesten measures Norwegian at B2 and C1. It has a written and an oral part, and it demands both precise language and good time management.
Rules
- Who runs it: Bergenstesten is run by Folkeuniversitetet (Norsk språktest). Don't confuse it with Norskprøven from HK-dir, which is a different test.
- Why take it: It is often used as proof of Norwegian skills for university admission and for jobs that require good Norwegian.
- The parts: Reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written production and an oral test.
- Reading: Longer factual texts, articles and opinion pieces. You need to grasp main points, details and attitudes.
- Listening: Interviews, talks and conversations at natural speed, often with different dialects.
- Writing: Often an argumentative or discursive text, typically based on a text, a statement or a graph.
- Oral: A conversation in which you are asked to describe, explain, argue and discuss.
- What C1 demands: You understand long, demanding texts, including what is implied, and you express yourself fluently, precisely and with nuance.
- Preparation: Read NRK and Aftenposten daily, listen to podcasts and radio debates, and write essays that someone gives you feedback on.
- Timing: Read the task carefully, make a short outline, write, and save a few minutes for proofreading.
- Proofreading: Check the V2 rule, the position of ikke in subordinate clauses, adjective agreement and definite forms.
- Official information: Format, duration, fees and dates can change. Always check hkdir.no before you register.
Typical mistake: False friends like eventuelt, which means «possibly, if relevant», not «eventually». «Eventually» is til slutt.
Examples
- Bergenstesten heter offisielt Test i norsk – høyere nivå.The official name of Bergenstesten is Test i norsk – høyere nivå.
- Prøven består av lesing, lytting, skriving og en muntlig del.The test consists of reading, listening, writing and an oral part.
- Mange tar prøven for å dokumentere norskkunnskapene sine ved opptak til studier.Many people take the test to document their Norwegian skills for university admission.
- På C1-nivå må du også forstå det som ikke sies direkte.At C1 level you also need to understand what isn't said directly.
- Lag en kort disposisjon før du begynner å skrive.Make a short outline before you start writing.
- Sett av noen minutter til korrektur på slutten.Save a few minutes for proofreading at the end.
- Jeg leser Aftenposten hver dag for å forberede meg.I read Aftenposten every day to prepare.
- Sjekk oppdatert informasjon om prøven på nettsidene til Folkeuniversitetet.Check up-to-date information about the test on Folkeuniversitetet's website.