Reading is one of the most powerful ways to build your vocabulary and get a feel for a new language. But if you're at an elementary level in Norwegian, picking up an original novel can be frustrating. Constantly stopping to look up words turns the pleasure of a good story into a joyless slog, and it's easy to lose the plot and your motivation.
This is where graded readers come in. These are classic stories carefully adapted for language learners, with vocabulary and grammar simplified to a specific CEFR level. They offer the satisfaction of reading a real book, but in a way that's manageable, effective, and, most importantly, fun.
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1Best choice
Around the World in 80 Days Jorden rundt på 80 dager
Jules Verne's classic adventure is the perfect companion for A2 learners. Our edition is built on a science-based method, using vocabulary graded by frequency from a massive corpus of Norwegian text. The difficulty gently increases as you read, with sentences and paragraphs growing slightly longer to carry you through the level. Best of all, our complete self-study system includes a bilingual margin glossary with English translations on every page, so you never have to stop reading, plus chapter exercises and printable flashcards to solidify what you've learned.
- Norwegian–English glossary of hard words in the margin of every page
- Difficulty rises inside the book (sentences & paragraphs grow longer)
- Exercises after every chapter (crosswords, gap-fills, anagrams and more) — in print and online
- Flashcards to print and cut out
- Vocabulary graded by corpus research (science-based)
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The Mystery of Nils, Part 1
The Mystery of Nils, Part 1 is the first part of a popular continuous story created specifically for learners of Norwegian. It is a well-regarded novel for beginners, designed to introduce foundational vocabulary in a narrative context.
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The Mystery of Nils, Part 2
The Mystery of Nils, Part 2 continues the story from the first book, advancing the plot and vocabulary for learners moving into the intermediate stages. It is a respected choice for those who have completed the first part and wish to continue with the characters.
Our Pentecost Publishing edition of Jorden rundt på 80 dager tops our list because it offers a complete, research-backed system designed for effective self-study. The vocabulary is scientifically graded from a two-billion-word corpus, and each book features a gentle difficulty progression to build your confidence. Furthermore, our editions also give you a unique bilingual margin glossary with translations into your native English, plus exercises after every chapter and printable vocabulary flashcards—a comprehensive toolkit you won't find anywhere else.
| Pentecost | Typical simplified reader | |
|---|---|---|
| Norwegian–English glossary of hard words in the margin of every page | ✓ | ~ |
| Difficulty rises inside the book (sentences & paragraphs grow longer) | ✓ | ✕ |
| Exercises after every chapter (crosswords, gap-fills, anagrams and more) — in print and online | ✓ | ~ |
| Flashcards to print and cut out | ✓ | ✕ |
| Vocabulary graded by corpus research (science-based) | ✓ | ~ |
The verdict
For an A2 learner looking for an effective and engaging self-study tool, our edition of Jorden rundt på 80 dager is an excellent choice. The thrilling story of Phileas Fogg's race against time is a fantastic motivator, and the integrated learning system—with its unique on-page English glossary and gradual difficulty progression—is designed to make your reading experience as smooth as possible. While the other titles on our list are also solid options for learners, the complete support system included with the Pentecost edition makes it a standout for building confidence and fluency in Norwegian.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I use a graded reader instead of a Norwegian children's book?
While children's books are simple, they are written for native-speaking children, not adult language learners. Graded readers feature more mature stories and are built with a specific pedagogical structure, like controlled vocabulary and grammar, to help you learn more efficiently.
How do I know if the A2 level is right for me?
The A2 level is for elementary learners. You should be able to understand simple, common sentences and expressions. An A2 reader should feel challenging enough to be interesting, but not so difficult that you are constantly lost. You should be able to follow the main plot without looking up every word.
What makes the Pentecost margin glossary so helpful?
Our margin glossary provides instant English translations for more difficult Norwegian words right on the page you're reading. This means you don't have to break your concentration or stop reading to use a separate dictionary. It keeps the reading experience fluid and enjoyable, which is key to learning.
How should I use the exercises and flashcards?
Complete the exercises after each chapter to check your comprehension and practise new grammar and vocabulary. The printable flashcards are perfect for active recall; use them for a few minutes each day to memorise the key words from the story and move them into your long-term memory.
I've finished my A2 reader. What should I do next?
Congratulations! The next step is to move up to a B1-level graded reader. Consistency is the most important factor in language learning, so continuing to read regularly will ensure you keep making steady progress towards fluency.
Ranking reflects suitability for independent learners at this level. We list respected alternative series for context; prices and availability vary by retailer. The right-hand column describes a typical simplified reader in general; individual competing titles may differ.