If you move to Norway, sooner or later someone will invite you to a dugnad.

For many internationals, the first reaction is confusion.

“Do I have to go?”

“Will I get paid?”

“Is this volunteering?”

“Can I say no?”

Understanding dugnad is one of the keys to understanding Norwegian society. While it may seem unusual at first, many international families eventually discover that it is one of the reasons communities in Norway feel so welcoming, safe, and well maintained.

What is dugnad?

Dugnad is voluntary community work carried out for the benefit of a shared group or community.

Rather than paying someone to do a task, the people who benefit from it contribute a few hours of their own time.

The work might include:

• Cleaning common outdoor areas
• Painting fences or shared buildings
• Gardening and planting flowers
• Tidying playgrounds
• Cleaning school classrooms
• Preparing sports facilities
• Organising community events

The word itself has no perfect English translation. It is often described as a combination of community volunteering, neighbourly cooperation, and shared responsibility.

Where will you encounter dugnad?

As an international family, you’ll probably experience dugnad in several different settings.

Your housing association

If you live in an apartment building, townhouse complex or housing cooperative, your residents’ association will likely organise one or two dugnads each year.

Residents work together to clean outdoor areas, remove leaves, tidy shared storage rooms, plant flowers, wash windows or carry out small maintenance tasks.

Many housing associations finish with coffee, waffles, cakes or a barbecue.

Your child’s school or kindergarten

Schools and kindergartens often organise dugnads where parents help prepare outdoor areas, clean toys, paint fences or improve playgrounds.

Parents may also volunteer during school fairs, 17th May celebrations, Christmas markets, sporting events or fundraising activities.

These events are often as much about getting to know other parents as they are about completing the work.

Sports clubs and organisations

If your children participate in sports like football, handball, skiing, gymnastics, ice hockey, etc, and activities like korps (school marching band), dugnad becomes a regular part of family life.

Parents might:

• Sell waffles or coffee during matches
• Help organise tournaments
• Manage parking
• Clean club facilities
• Run kiosks
• Assist with fundraising
• Transport equipment

Many Norwegian sports clubs rely heavily on volunteers, allowing membership fees to remain much lower than they otherwise would be.

Local communities

Neighbourhood associations, charities and local organisations also arrange dugnads to improve parks, beaches, hiking trails and community spaces.

You may even see neighbours spontaneously organising a small dugnad after heavy snowfall or storms.

Is dugnad mandatory?

Legally, no.

Socially, it is a little more nuanced.

Participation is voluntary, and nobody can force you to attend.

However, because everyone benefits from the shared facilities, contributing when you can is generally considered part of being a good neighbour.

If you cannot attend, many housing associations simply appreciate that you let them know in advance.

Some organisations may ask for a small fee if members consistently choose not to participate, particularly if contractors need to be hired instead. This varies between organisations and should always be explained in advance.

Why do Norwegians value dugnad so highly?

Dugnad reflects several values that are deeply rooted in Norwegian culture:

• Equality — everyone contributes regardless of profession or income.
• Community — neighbours work alongside one another.
• Trust — people willingly give their time without expecting payment.
• Responsibility — everyone helps maintain shared spaces.
• Cooperation — working together creates stronger communities.

It is not unusual to see doctors, engineers, CEOs, students and retirees painting fences together on the same Saturday morning.

Titles are left at home.

More than just free labour

To newcomers, dugnad can initially feel like unpaid work.

But Norwegians often see it differently.

The work itself is only part of the experience.

Dugnad is also an opportunity to:

• Meet neighbours
• Get to know other parents
• Feel part of the community
• Learn more about Norwegian culture
• Build relationships that often last for years

For many internationals, their first real conversations with neighbours happen during a dugnad.

What if you’re new to Norway?

Don’t worry if you have never attended one before.

Simply arrive on time, wear practical clothes, ask where help is needed, and join in.

Nobody expects you to know exactly what to do.

Norwegians generally appreciate people who are willing to contribute, even if they are still learning the language.

In fact, dugnad can be one of the easiest ways to practise Norwegian in a relaxed and informal setting.

Why understanding dugnad matters

International families often spend a great deal of time learning about residence permits, tax systems, schools and healthcare before moving to Norway.

These practical matters are important.

However, understanding cultural traditions like dugnad can be just as valuable for feeling at home.

Participating helps you become more than someone who simply lives in Norway.

It helps you become part of the community.

That sense of belonging is something many international families tell us they value long after the paint has dried and the leaves have been cleared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get paid for participating in dugnad?

Usually, no. Dugnad is voluntary work carried out for the benefit of the community.

However, in some cases money is involved. For example, parents may help at a sports event, sell waffles, work at a festival, or take part in fundraising activities. In these cases, the money earned usually goes to the sports club, school class, team, association or organisation — not to the individual person doing the work.

Can I refuse to attend?

Yes. Participation is generally voluntary, and no one can force you to take part.

However, if you have signed up for a particular dugnad or have been allocated a shift—especially through a sports club, school event, or fundraising activity—you are usually expected to either attend or arrange for someone else to take your place if you cannot. This helps ensure that the event can still run smoothly.

While participation is not legally required, contributing when you can is generally appreciated and is seen as part of supporting your local community or organisation.

Do I need to speak Norwegian?

Not at all. Many Norwegians speak excellent English, and people are usually happy to explain what needs to be done.

Is dugnad unique to Norway?

Many countries have traditions of community volunteering, but dugnad is particularly embedded in Norwegian culture and everyday life.