BirkebeinerrennetA famous ski race in Norway that business executives often participate in. Companies have their own teams and your achievement in the tracks has become as important as your resume.BrunostBrown cheese. Not technically cheese, but a byproduct of cheese production with added sugar. An important part of Norwegian cultural identity.Det er bra nok'It's good enough' — Reflects the Norwegian approach of meeting standards without excessive over-achievement.Det grønne skiftet"The Green Shift". Creating a sustainable society based on green jobs and reducing the country's dependency on oil and gas production.DugnadCommunity volunteer work like cutting trees, cleaning streets, or other activities. There is some expectation by society that you'll participate in these routines.FellesferieThe summer holiday shutdown. You won't be getting much work done during this time as your colleagues will no doubt be out on holiday.FjordOne Norwegian word that has become truly international. In its basic meaning 'where one fares through', it has the same origin as the word 'fare' (travel) and 'ferry'. The narrow canyons with steep sides were formed by giant glaciers slowly moving across the land.Gå på tur'Take a hike!' Literally. Not everybody actually does it, but everybody likes to give the impression they do it, and everybody at the very least talks about it. Norwegians love exercise!Helt Texas'That's Texas!' — Norwegian slang meaning something is crazy or chaotic, used in both positive and negative contexts.HV-øvelserSimilar to the American National Guard, this is a mandatory military training exercise some of your colleagues might be part of.HytteA small winter or summer cabin that Norwegian workers like to retreat to as much as possible. In Norwegian business culture it's not considered extravagant to have a cabin.JantelovenThe Law of Jante—a description of Norwegian group behavior that discourages individual achievement as unworthy. Perhaps the most important concept for understanding Norwegian culture.KantineThe corporate cafeteria where everyone is equal—CEOs bus their own plates just like everyone else.KoseligGetting cozy, often at home with candles lit and a nice book. The Norwegian version of the Danish 'hygge'.Kvikk LunsjThe Norwegian version of a Kit-Kat bar. You eat these with your Norwegian colleagues after a good cross-country ski. Norwegians just love milk chocolate!LangrennCross-country skiing. A Norwegian will tell you it involves the highest endurance levels of all sports, makes use of every major muscle group, and burns the most calories. In other words, it's pure torture.MatpapirWax paper used to wrap sandwiches that Norwegians bring to work for lunch.NachspielThe after-party. When it's too late to buy alcohol, everyone heads to someone's apartment to continue drinking.Oppsøkende salgCold calling and sales outreach. Perhaps the one thing Norwegians hate to do the most!SkålThe Norwegian toast, pronounced 'skol'. Comes from the word for 'skull', harking back to Viking times when drinking from enemy skulls was customary.VinmonopoletThe state-run wine and liquor monopoly. Literally has "monopoly" in the name with no shame.VorspielThe pre-party where Norwegians drink at home before going out to avoid expensive bar prices.