The Art of Small Talk in Icelandic: How to Start a Conversation
Hæhæ OLS Community!
If you’ve spent any time in Iceland, you’ve probably noticed that small talk isn’t exactly a national pastime. Icelanders tend to value directness and aren’t known for chatting about the weather just for the sake of it—though, let’s be honest, the weather is always worth mentioning in Iceland. That said, learning how to master small talk in Icelandic is a great way to break the ice (pun intended) and connect with locals.
Let’s dive into the art of Icelandic small talk and make it as fun as possible!
Step 1: Start with the Weather
Talking about the weather is a universal icebreaker, but in Iceland, it’s a daily necessity. The weather changes so frequently here that it’s practically a sport to keep up with it.
• Spurning til að byrja: “Hvernig lýst þér á þetta veður”
(A good question to start: “How are you feeling about this weather?”)
Here are a few phrases to practice:
• Það er sól! – It’s sunny! (A rare but joyful occasion)
• Það er rigning. – It’s raining. (Likely true most of the time)
• Ég sá norðurljósin í gær! – I saw the northern lights yesterday!
If you’ve experienced a sudden shift from sun to snow and back to rain in one afternoon, you’re already well-equipped for a great weather conversation.
Step 2: Ask About Their Day
Icelanders may not engage in endless small talk, but they’re happy to share a bit about their day if you ask. Keep it simple and polite:
• “Hvernig hefur þú það í dag?” – How are you doing today?
• “Hvað ertu búinn að vera að gera í dag?” – What have you been doing today?
You’ll find that Icelanders appreciate a straightforward approach. Don’t be surprised if the answer is brief—“Bara fínt” (Just fine) is a common reply.
Step 3: Compliment Something
Who doesn’t love a compliment? If you’re chatting with someone you know, compliment something they’re wearing or something they’ve done.
• “Falleg peysa!” – Nice sweater!
• “Mér elska hárið þitt!” – I love your hair!
Keep it genuine and simple – authenticity goes a long way in Iceland.
Step 4: Talk About Local Favorites
Want to make an Icelandic friend smile? Ask them about their favorite local spots or traditions. Icelanders love to share their favorite hiking trails, swimming pools, or spots for seeing the northern lights.
Try these questions:
• “Hvaða sundlaug finnst þér best?” – Which swimming pool do you like best?
• “Áttu uppáhalds gönguleið?” – Do you have a favorite hiking trail?
• “Hvað finnst þér best að gera á Íslandi?” – What do you think is the best thing to do in Iceland?
Pro tip: If you bring up swimming pools, you might even get invited to a relaxing heitur pottur (hot tub) chat — prime small talk territory!
Step 5: Share Your Icelandic Learning Journey
Icelanders are proud of their language, and they’ll likely appreciate your effort to speak Icelandic, no matter how basic. Don’t be afraid to admit you’re still learning — it’s a great conversation starter.
• “Ég er að læra íslensku. Hvernig segir maður…?”
(I’m learning Icelandic. How do you say…?)
You might even get some useful corrections or tips to improve your skills!
Step 6: Be Prepared for a Quick Exit
One thing to know about Icelanders: they aren’t fans of overly long conversations unless there’s a real purpose behind them. So don’t be offended if a conversation wraps up quickly — it’s just the Icelandic way. A simple “Takk fyrir spjallið!” (Thanks for the chat!) is the perfect way to end your small talk.
Mastering small talk in Icelandic might take a bit of practice, but it’s worth the effort. Whether you’re chatting in a hot tub, at the bus stop, or over coffee, small talk is a great way to connect with locals and immerse yourself in Icelandic culture.
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Íris Líf, OLS Community Manager – Icelandic
Hæhæ OLS Community!
If you’ve spent any time in Iceland, you’ve probably noticed that small talk isn’t exactly a national pastime. Icelanders tend to value directness and aren’t known for chatting about the weather just for the sake of it—though, let’s be honest, the weather is always worth mentioning in Iceland. That said, learning how to master small talk in Icelandic is a great way to break the ice (pun intended) and connect with locals.
Let’s dive into the art of Icelandic small talk and make it as fun as possible!
Step 1: Start with the Weather
Talking about the weather is a universal icebreaker, but in Iceland, it’s a daily necessity. The weather changes so frequently here that it’s practically a sport to keep up with it.
• Spurning til að byrja: “Hvernig lýst þér á þetta veður”
(A good question to start: “How are you feeling about this weather?”)
Here are a few phrases to practice:
• Það er sól! – It’s sunny! (A rare but joyful occasion)
• Það er rigning. – It’s raining. (Likely true most of the time)
• Ég sá norðurljósin í gær! – I saw the northern lights yesterday!
If you’ve experienced a sudden shift from sun to snow and back to rain in one afternoon, you’re already well-equipped for a great weather conversation.
Step 2: Ask About Their Day
Icelanders may not engage in endless small talk, but they’re happy to share a bit about their day if you ask. Keep it simple and polite:
• “Hvernig hefur þú það í dag?” – How are you doing today?
• “Hvað ertu búinn að vera að gera í dag?” – What have you been doing today?
You’ll find that Icelanders appreciate a straightforward approach. Don’t be surprised if the answer is brief—“Bara fínt” (Just fine) is a common reply.
Step 3: Compliment Something
Who doesn’t love a compliment? If you’re chatting with someone you know, compliment something they’re wearing or something they’ve done.
• “Falleg peysa!” – Nice sweater!
• “Mér elska hárið þitt!” – I love your hair!
Keep it genuine and simple – authenticity goes a long way in Iceland.
Step 4: Talk About Local Favorites
Want to make an Icelandic friend smile? Ask them about their favorite local spots or traditions. Icelanders love to share their favorite hiking trails, swimming pools, or spots for seeing the northern lights.
Try these questions:
• “Hvaða sundlaug finnst þér best?” – Which swimming pool do you like best?
• “Áttu uppáhalds gönguleið?” – Do you have a favorite hiking trail?
• “Hvað finnst þér best að gera á Íslandi?” – What do you think is the best thing to do in Iceland?
Pro tip: If you bring up swimming pools, you might even get invited to a relaxing heitur pottur (hot tub) chat — prime small talk territory!
Step 5: Share Your Icelandic Learning Journey
Icelanders are proud of their language, and they’ll likely appreciate your effort to speak Icelandic, no matter how basic. Don’t be afraid to admit you’re still learning — it’s a great conversation starter.
• “Ég er að læra íslensku. Hvernig segir maður…?”
(I’m learning Icelandic. How do you say…?)
You might even get some useful corrections or tips to improve your skills!
Step 6: Be Prepared for a Quick Exit
One thing to know about Icelanders: they aren’t fans of overly long conversations unless there’s a real purpose behind them. So don’t be offended if a conversation wraps up quickly — it’s just the Icelandic way. A simple “Takk fyrir spjallið!” (Thanks for the chat!) is the perfect way to end your small talk.
Mastering small talk in Icelandic might take a bit of practice, but it’s worth the effort. Whether you’re chatting in a hot tub, at the bus stop, or over coffee, small talk is a great way to connect with locals and immerse yourself in Icelandic culture.
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Íris Líf, OLS Community Manager – Icelandic