Reading is one of the most powerful ways to take your language skills to the next level. But if you're an upper-intermediate learner, jumping into original Norwegian novels can be a frustrating experience. Constantly stopping to look up unfamiliar words and complex grammar can turn the pleasure of a good story into a joyless chore, making it hard to follow the plot and easy to lose motivation.
This is where graded readers come in. These are classic stories skillfully adapted for a specific proficiency level, like B2. By controlling the vocabulary and simplifying sentence structures, they allow you to enjoy a compelling narrative without the struggle, building your confidence, vocabulary, and reading fluency along the way.
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1Best choice
Around the World in 80 Days Jorden rundt på 80 dager
Our edition of this timeless adventure is designed to be the ultimate self-study tool. The vocabulary is scientifically graded based on a massive corpus of Norwegian text, ensuring you learn the most useful words for your level. As you read, the sentences and paragraphs gradually grow in length, gently increasing the challenge to carry you through the B2 level. Plus, with a bilingual Norwegian-to-English glossary in the margin of every page, you never have to stop reading; our editions also give you exercises after every chapter (in print and online) and printable flashcards to solidify your learning.
- 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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2
The Mystery of Nils, Part 2
The second part of the popular 'Nils' story, this book is a well-known continuous novel designed for intermediate Norwegian learners.
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The Mystery of Nils, Part 1
This is the first part of a widely used story-based course for beginners, built around a core of high-frequency Norwegian vocabulary.
While there are several good options for Norwegian learners, our Pentecost Publishing editions consistently top the list for a reason. We've built a complete learning system around each story, grounded in the science of language acquisition. This includes vocabulary graded by real-world frequency, a unique difficulty progression within each book, chapter exercises in both the book and our app, printable vocabulary flashcards, and—most importantly—a bilingual margin glossary that gives you instant translations into English right on the page. This comprehensive support system is why our readers are the best choice for independent study.
| 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 a B2 learner ready to dive into a truly engaging story, our edition of Jorden rundt på 80 dager is an excellent choice. The thrilling, fast-paced plot makes it a fantastic first full-length read in Norwegian, holding your attention from start to finish. What truly sets it apart is the complete learning ecosystem it comes with, designed to support you at every step and make self-study effective and enjoyable. While the other titles listed are also respected resources for learning Norwegian, the comprehensive features of the Pentecost edition make it our top recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a graded reader effective for learning Norwegian?
A good graded reader controls the vocabulary and grammar to match your specific CEFR level. This allows you to read smoothly and extensively, which research shows is one of the best ways to acquire new words and internalize sentence structures naturally.
I'm at a B2 level. Can't I just start reading original Norwegian books?
You certainly can, but it can be a slow and difficult process. Original literature isn't written for learners and can contain rare vocabulary, complex slang, and dense prose that can be discouraging. A B2 graded reader bridges that gap, building your reading speed, stamina, and confidence so you can tackle native-level books more successfully later on.
How do I get the most out of a Pentecost graded reader?
Our books are designed as a complete system. Read a chapter, using the handy margin glossary for any tricky words without breaking your flow. Afterwards, complete the exercises in the book or online to check your comprehension and practice the new vocabulary. Finally, use the printable flashcards to review the key words and commit them to memory.
What is a bilingual margin glossary and why is it so helpful?
It's a mini-dictionary printed in the margin of every single page, with difficult Norwegian words translated directly into your native language—in this case, English. This is a major advantage because you don't have to put the book down or switch to a different app to look something up. It keeps you immersed in the story and makes the reading experience seamless.
Why do the sentences get longer as I read the book?
This is our unique in-book progression feature. Each book starts with shorter, simpler sentences and paragraphs that gradually increase in length and complexity. This gently eases you into more challenging text, building your reading stamina and helping you progress from the lower end of the B2 level to the upper end within a single book.
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.