Icelandic, a North Germanic language, is the official language of Iceland. It’s known for its preservation of Old Norse language elements. Learning Icelandic can be challenging but rewarding, offering insights into Icelandic culture and literature. This lesson covers essential conversational phrases and questions in Icelandic for various social interactions.

Greetings

• Hello/Hi – “Halló” / “Hæ”
• Good morning – “Góðan daginn”
• Good afternoon – “Gott kvöld”
• Good evening – “Gott kvöld”
• Goodbye – “Bless”

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Ég heiti [nafn].”
• This is [name]. – “Þetta er [nafn].”
• I am from [country]. – “Ég er frá [land].”
• I live in [city/place]. – “Ég bý í [bæ/stað].”

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Hvar er [staður]?”
• How do I get to [place]? – “Hvernig komast ég að [stað]?”
• Is this the way to [place]? – “Er þetta leiðin að [stað]?”
• Can you show me on the map? – “Getur þú sýnt mér á kortinu?”

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Afsakið, ég skil ekki.”
• Can you please repeat that? – “Getur þú endurtekið það?”
• I mean… – “Ég meina…”
• What does [word] mean? – “Hvað þýðir [orð]?”

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “Sjáumst síðar”
• Take care – “Passaðu þig”
• Have a good day – “Eigðu góðan dag”

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Ég vil bóka herbergi.”
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Má ég sjá matseðilinn?”
• I am vegetarian. – “Ég er grænmetisæta.”
• The bill, please. – “Má ég fá reikninginn?”

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Hvað kostar þetta?”
• Do you have this in another size? – “Áttu þetta í annarri stærð?”
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Ég er bara að skoða, takk.”
• Can I pay by card? – “Get ég greitt með korti?”

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “Þú lítur vel út.”
• I miss you. – “Ég sakna þín.”
• I love you. – “Ég elska þig.”
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Viltu fara út með mér?”

Emergencies

• Help! – “Hjálp!”
• Call the police! – “Hringdu í lögregluna!”
• I need a doctor. – “Ég þarf læknir.”
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Hvar er næsta sjúkrahús?”

These phrases offer a foundation for basic communication in Icelandic. Practice speaking and listening regularly, engage with Icelandic media, and don’t hesitate to converse with native speakers. Remember, language learning is a journey—embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and continue to explore the rich linguistic and cultural nuances of Icelandic.