Icelandic, the official language of Iceland, has its roots in Old Norse and remains one of the oldest living languages in Europe, retaining many of its ancient characteristics. While English is widely spoken and understood in Iceland, learning a few basic Icelandic phrases can enhance your travel experience and help you connect more deeply with the locals.
Here are some handy phrases in Icelandic:
Hallรณ (hat-loh) - Hello
Bless (bless) - Goodbye
Takk fyrir (tahk fir-eer) - Thank you
Afsakiรฐ (av-sah-kith) - Excuse me
Jรก (yow) - Yes
Nei (nay) - No
Vinsamlegast (vin-sam-leh-gahst) - Please
Fyrirgefรฐu (fir-eer-gef-thu) - Sorry
Talar รพรบ ensku? (ta-lar thu en-sku) - Do you speak English?
Icelanders are very proud of their language and culture. Icelandic names are patronymic, meaning that a child's last name is derived from the first name of their father (or mother), with the addition of "son" (for a boy) or "dรณttir" (for a girl). This naming convention reflects Iceland's deeply rooted traditions.
When greeting someone, a firm handshake and direct eye contact are customary. Icelanders are known for their friendliness and hospitality, so making an effort to speak their language, even just a few phrases, will be appreciated.
The Icelandic language plays a significant role in the nation's literary heritage, with a rich tradition of storytelling that dates back to the medieval sagas. These historical narratives are an integral part of Iceland's cultural identity and continue to influence modern Icelandic literature and media.
By familiarizing yourself with these basic phrases and cultural nuances, you can navigate your way through Iceland more smoothly and enrich your travel experience by engaging more authentically with the local people.
English is widely spoken in Iceland, however, learning some basic phrases would be a kind gesture