Norwegian word of the day: Romjul
Norwegians have a word for that period over Christmas where you don't know what day it is.
What does it mean?
Romjul can be a tricky word to translate. A straightforward translation of the word can be 'room Christmas', which unhelpfully tells us absolutely nothing. It's a compound of the word for room (rom) and Christmas (jul)
What it describes is the week between Christmas and New Year's. It begins on the third day of Christmas (December 27th) and runs until New Year's Day. In English, its closest translation would be boxing week.
For many, the period between Boxing Day and New Years can be quite disorientating, and it can be hard to keep track of which day it is if you are lucky enough not to be working. So having a word for it at least helps pin the period down.
Are there any romjul traditions?
Romjul is mainly a period of relaxation and family time for Norwegians. Whether it's a leisurely cross-country ski, board games with family or a movie marathon, it's all about quality time to unwind.
Those who are lucky enough to have the period off may choose to travel down to their cabins and drink up the cosy atmosphere.
Use it like this:
Hva skal du i romjulen?
What are you doing between Christmas and New Year's?
Jeg skal på hytta i romjulen.
I am going to my cabin between Christmas and New Year's.
Jeg elsker romjulen, da får jeg endelig tid til å slappe av.
I love "romjul", I finally get time to relax.
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What does it mean?
Romjul can be a tricky word to translate. A straightforward translation of the word can be 'room Christmas', which unhelpfully tells us absolutely nothing. It's a compound of the word for room (rom) and Christmas (jul)
What it describes is the week between Christmas and New Year's. It begins on the third day of Christmas (December 27th) and runs until New Year's Day. In English, its closest translation would be boxing week.
For many, the period between Boxing Day and New Years can be quite disorientating, and it can be hard to keep track of which day it is if you are lucky enough not to be working. So having a word for it at least helps pin the period down.
Are there any romjul traditions?
Romjul is mainly a period of relaxation and family time for Norwegians. Whether it's a leisurely cross-country ski, board games with family or a movie marathon, it's all about quality time to unwind.
Those who are lucky enough to have the period off may choose to travel down to their cabins and drink up the cosy atmosphere.
Use it like this:
Hva skal du i romjulen?
What are you doing between Christmas and New Year's?
Jeg skal på hytta i romjulen.
I am going to my cabin between Christmas and New Year's.
Jeg elsker romjulen, da får jeg endelig tid til å slappe av.
I love "romjul", I finally get time to relax.
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