25 common basic Icelandic words (must know when traveling to Iceland)

Learning a new language is very hard, but learning a couple of basics is easy. To help our fellow free birds along, here are the 25 basic Icelandic words and phrases for traveling through Iceland

Learn these 25 basic Icelandic words before traveling to Iceland. The upsides of knowing how to say hello, thank you,  goodbye, yes, no and many more basic phrases, is that it makes you not look like a gullible tourist. It makes you seem friendly, knowledgable, and interested. Also knowing how to order two cold beers and knowing how to you like your drinks and/or food, makes your stay so much more enjoyable. The locals and the staff will deeply appreciate it when you as a tourist are trying your best to learn their language and culture. You will see people opening up and smiling big when you are speaking their tongue. Or in the case of Icelandic words, when you try your best to pronounce all those difficult Icelandic words correctly.

Retained some old letters

Fortunately, it is comforting to know that almost all Icelanders speak English to some degree. Before starting with the list below, it is useful to know something about the pronunciation. The Icelandic alphabet has retained some old letters:
– Æ, æ sound as ”eye”
– Þ, þ: þorn, is pronounced as “thorn”
– Ð, ð voiced “th” sounds as “thin” and “weather”

The very basics
Hello = Halló
Goodmorning = Góðan daginn
Yes = Já
No = Nei
Thanks = Takk
Goodbye = Bless

Counting to 5
1 = einn
2 = tveir
3 = þrír
4 = fjórir
5 = fimm

Greetings
How are you = Vernig hefur þú það?
Oke = Allt í lagi
Sorry = Fyrirgefðu
You’re welcome = þú ert velkominn/Gerðu svo vel
Cheers = Skál
Beautiful = ljósmóðir
Perfect = Fullkominn

If you are also looking for great accommodation in Iceland, be sure to check out our recommendations!