The Nordic and Nordic-influenced countries of Scandinavia, Finland, Lapland, and Iceland are not only renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also for their fascinating languages. From Swedish and Norwegian melodic tones to Danish, Finnish and Icelandic's unique cadences, each language tells a story of history, tradition, and identity.
Luckily for travelers, English is widely spoken in all these destinations, especially in urban and tourist areas, however, learning some basic phrases is recommended as locals appreciate efforts to speak their language and often respond warmly to attempts at communication.
Here are some handy phrases for each destination:
Swedish (Sweden):
Hej (hey) - Hello
Hej dรฅ (hey doh) - Goodbye
Tack (tahck) - Thank you
Ursรคkta mig (oor-sayk-ta may) - Excuse me
Ja (yah) - Yes
Nej (nay) - No
Snรคlla (s-nel-la) - Please
Fรถrlรฅt (fur-lot) - Sorry
Danish (Denmark):
Hej (hey) - Hello
Farvel (far-vel) - Goodbye
Tak (tahk) - Thank you
Undskyld mig (oon-skeeld may) - Excuse me
Ja (yah) - Yes
Nej (nay) - No:
Vรฆr sรฅ venlig (vair saw ven-lee) - Please
Undskyld (oon-skeeld) - Sorry
Norwegian (Norway):
Hei (hay) - Hello
Ha det (hah deh) - Goodbye
Takk (tahk) - Thank you
Unnskyld meg (oon-shoold may) - Excuse me
Ja (yah) - Yes
Nei (nay) - No
Vรฆr sรฅ snill (vair saw sneel) - Please
Beklager (bek-lah-ger) - Sorry
Finnish (Finland):
Hei (hay) - Hello
Nรคkemiin (nah-keh-meen) - Goodbye
Kiitos (kee-tohs) - Thank you
Anteeksi (ahn-tehk-see) - Excuse me
Kyllรค (kuul-la) - Yes
Ei (ay) - No
Ole hyvรค (oh-leh huu-va) - Please
Anteeksi (ahn-tehk-see) - Sorry
Sami (Lapland):
Bures (boo-rehs) - Hello
Bรกze dearvan (bah-zeh dear-vahn) - Goodbye
Giitu (gee-too) - Thank you
Ohcan (oh-kahn) - Excuse me
Joo (you) - Yes
Ei (ay) - No
Buorre (boo-reh) - Please
รndagassii (ahn-dah-gahs-see) - Sorry
Icelandic (Iceland):
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
English is widely spoken in Scandinavia, however, learning some basic phrases would be a kind gesture