målformene

Målformene is the term used for the two official written standards of the Norwegian language: bokmål and nynorsk. They are used in education, public administration, media, and everyday writing. In most contexts, writers may choose either form, and public institutions are generally expected to respond in the form used by the writer when possible.

Bokmål developed from Danish-influenced written Norwegian in the 19th century, reflecting urban and administrative language. Nynorsk was created by Ivar Aasen in the mid-19th century by compiling Norwegian dialects to form a form of Norwegian that more closely mirrored spoken speech. Over time both forms gained official recognition; from the late 19th and early 20th centuries onward, they were established as equal options in schools and public life. In the mid-20th century there was a policy to merge the forms into one standard called samnorsk, but this approach was abandoned, and the two målformer remained distinct.

Administration and policy are overseen by Språkrådet (the Language Council) on behalf of the Norwegian state. Municipalities, schools, and public agencies are encouraged to provide information and services in both forms where appropriate. The choice of form often reflects regional identity and historical development, and there is ongoing public and political discussion about language use, education, and signage.

Today bokmål is the majority practice in writing, while nynorsk is used by a substantial minority and is particularly prominent in certain regions and communities. Both forms are taught in schools, and the Norwegian language policy supports the continued coexistence of målformene as equal written standards.