Icelandic Phrases You Wish You Had Learned Sooner
Halló OLS samfélag!
Moving to a new country and learning a new language can be an adventure full of surprises. One of the biggest challenges? Realizing there are certain Icelandic phrases you wish you had learned sooner! Some expressions are so useful in daily life that once you learn them, you wonder how you ever managed without them.
In this blog post, we’re going to share some must-know Icelandic phrases that will make your life in Iceland easier, whether you're shopping, asking for help, or just trying to sound more like a local.
1. “Hvað kostar þetta?” – How much does this cost?
If you've ever stood at the checkout, confused about the price of something, this phrase is a lifesaver. While most places in Iceland display prices clearly, sometimes you’ll need to ask.
Example:
Hvað kostar þetta kaffi? – How much does this coffee cost?
2. “Má ég fá …?” – Can I have …?
This phrase is essential for ordering food, buying something in a store, or asking for anything politely. Icelanders appreciate good manners, and using má ég fá makes you sound more natural.
Example:
Má ég fá einn bolla af kaffi? – Can I have a cup of coffee?
Má ég fá poka? – Can I have a bag?
3. “Hvar er …?” – Where is …?
This question will help you find anything – from the nearest bathroom to the best swimming pool in town.
Example:
Hvar er strætóstoppistöðin? – Where is the bus stop?
Hvar er næsta bakarí? – Where is the nearest bakery?
4. “Geturðu hjálpað mér?” – Can you help me?
If you ever need assistance – whether it’s finding something in a store or asking for directions – this phrase is key. Icelanders are usually happy to help!
Example:
Geturðu hjálpað mér að finna þessa bók? – Can you help me find this book?
5. “Ég skil ekki” – I don’t understand
You’ll probably find yourself in situations where people speak too fast or use words you don’t know. Instead of panicking, simply say Ég skil ekki and ask them to repeat.
Example:
Afsakið, ég skil ekki. Geturðu sagt þetta aftur? – Sorry, I don’t understand. Can you say that again?
6. “Talarðu ensku?” – Do you speak English?
Even though many Icelanders speak English, it’s always polite to ask first instead of assuming. They’ll appreciate your effort to speak Icelandic!
Example:
Talarðu ensku? Ég er að læra íslensku en skil ekki alveg. – Do you speak English? I’m learning Icelandic but don’t fully understand.
7. “Hvað segirðu gott?” – How’s it going?
This is a super casual way to greet someone and start a conversation. It’s the Icelandic version of "How are you?" and is often used among friends.
Example:
Hæ, hvað segirðu gott? – Hi, how’s it going?
8. “Allt í lagi” – It’s okay / No problem
This phrase is versatile and can be used in many situations – when someone apologizes, if you’re agreeing to something, or just as a casual response.
Example:
Afsakið! Ég steig á fótinn þinn! – Sorry! I stepped on your foot!
Allt í lagi, engin vandamál! – It’s okay, no problem!
9. “Eigðu góðan dag!” – Have a good day!
A great phrase to use when leaving a store, a café, or ending a conversation. Icelanders appreciate friendly farewells!
Example:
Takk fyrir kaffið! Eigðu góðan dag! – Thanks for the coffee! Have a good day!
10. “Takk fyrir mig” – Thank you for having me
If you’re invited to someone’s house for dinner or an event, this is a must-know phrase. It’s a polite way to show appreciation after a meal or gathering.
Example:
Takk fyrir mig! Maturinn var frábær! – Thank you for having me! The food was amazing!
Learning Icelandic can feel like a challenge at first, but picking up useful everyday phrases can make your life so much easier. These are just a few expressions that will help you feel more confident when speaking Icelandic and interacting with locals.
Are there any phrases you wish you had learned sooner? Share them in the comments below!
Íris Líf, OLS Community Manager – Icelandic
Halló OLS samfélag!
Moving to a new country and learning a new language can be an adventure full of surprises. One of the biggest challenges? Realizing there are certain Icelandic phrases you wish you had learned sooner! Some expressions are so useful in daily life that once you learn them, you wonder how you ever managed without them.
In this blog post, we’re going to share some must-know Icelandic phrases that will make your life in Iceland easier, whether you're shopping, asking for help, or just trying to sound more like a local.
1. “Hvað kostar þetta?” – How much does this cost?
If you've ever stood at the checkout, confused about the price of something, this phrase is a lifesaver. While most places in Iceland display prices clearly, sometimes you’ll need to ask.
Example:
Hvað kostar þetta kaffi? – How much does this coffee cost?
2. “Má ég fá …?” – Can I have …?
This phrase is essential for ordering food, buying something in a store, or asking for anything politely. Icelanders appreciate good manners, and using má ég fá makes you sound more natural.
Example:
Má ég fá einn bolla af kaffi? – Can I have a cup of coffee?
Má ég fá poka? – Can I have a bag?
3. “Hvar er …?” – Where is …?
This question will help you find anything – from the nearest bathroom to the best swimming pool in town.
Example:
Hvar er strætóstoppistöðin? – Where is the bus stop?
Hvar er næsta bakarí? – Where is the nearest bakery?
4. “Geturðu hjálpað mér?” – Can you help me?
If you ever need assistance – whether it’s finding something in a store or asking for directions – this phrase is key. Icelanders are usually happy to help!
Example:
Geturðu hjálpað mér að finna þessa bók? – Can you help me find this book?
5. “Ég skil ekki” – I don’t understand
You’ll probably find yourself in situations where people speak too fast or use words you don’t know. Instead of panicking, simply say Ég skil ekki and ask them to repeat.
Example:
Afsakið, ég skil ekki. Geturðu sagt þetta aftur? – Sorry, I don’t understand. Can you say that again?
6. “Talarðu ensku?” – Do you speak English?
Even though many Icelanders speak English, it’s always polite to ask first instead of assuming. They’ll appreciate your effort to speak Icelandic!
Example:
Talarðu ensku? Ég er að læra íslensku en skil ekki alveg. – Do you speak English? I’m learning Icelandic but don’t fully understand.
7. “Hvað segirðu gott?” – How’s it going?
This is a super casual way to greet someone and start a conversation. It’s the Icelandic version of "How are you?" and is often used among friends.
Example:
Hæ, hvað segirðu gott? – Hi, how’s it going?
8. “Allt í lagi” – It’s okay / No problem
This phrase is versatile and can be used in many situations – when someone apologizes, if you’re agreeing to something, or just as a casual response.
Example:
Afsakið! Ég steig á fótinn þinn! – Sorry! I stepped on your foot!
Allt í lagi, engin vandamál! – It’s okay, no problem!
9. “Eigðu góðan dag!” – Have a good day!
A great phrase to use when leaving a store, a café, or ending a conversation. Icelanders appreciate friendly farewells!
Example:
Takk fyrir kaffið! Eigðu góðan dag! – Thanks for the coffee! Have a good day!
10. “Takk fyrir mig” – Thank you for having me
If you’re invited to someone’s house for dinner or an event, this is a must-know phrase. It’s a polite way to show appreciation after a meal or gathering.
Example:
Takk fyrir mig! Maturinn var frábær! – Thank you for having me! The food was amazing!
Learning Icelandic can feel like a challenge at first, but picking up useful everyday phrases can make your life so much easier. These are just a few expressions that will help you feel more confident when speaking Icelandic and interacting with locals.
Are there any phrases you wish you had learned sooner? Share them in the comments below!
Íris Líf, OLS Community Manager – Icelandic