Essential Icelandic Phrases You Should Know

People say that planning a getaway to Iceland can be a bit challenging. And it doesn’t help that your mind starts racing like you’re chasing pirates and then you’re asking questions like: when is the best time to go, how do you get around, what do you do there, what to pack, what to wear... First, when you feel this sense of fernweh (travel ache), just take deep breaths.

Second, start writing down what you want to do and see. This will help you visualize your Icelandic escapade. Last but not least, learn some essential Icelandic phrases to help you talk with the locals.

Oh and one more thing, please take this Icelandic pledge for this guarantees that you will be a law-abiding tourist of the great Nordic country of Iceland.

• Hello: Halló (ha-loh)
• Hi: Hæ (hi)
• Good morning: Góðan dag (go-han dah)
• Good evening: Gott kvöld (got kvult)
• Goodbye: Bless (bless)
• Thank you: Takk (tak), Takk fyrir (tak fi-rir)
• You’re welcome: Ekkert að þakka (ek-kert ath thah-ka)
• Yes: Já (yow)
• No: Nei (nay)
• Please: Vinsamlegast (vin-saam-leh-gast)
• Sorry / Excuse me: Afsakið (af-sa-kith)
• I’m sorry: Því miður (thvi mi-thur)
• Help: Hjálp (hya-oolp)