What Language Do They Speak in Iceland?

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Iceland

Iceland is a Nordic island nation in the North Atlantic, renowned for its stunning landscapes which include geysers, hot springs, volcanoes, and lava fields. Despite its harsh climate and remote location, Iceland boasts a thriving economy with a focus on renewable energy, fisheries, and tourism. Visitors often flock to the country hoping to witness the magical Northern Lights and experience its rich cultural heritage.

Languages Spoken

The linguistic landscape of Iceland is predominantly shaped by Icelandic, which is the official language and is spoken by approximately 93.2% of the population. As a North Germanic language, Icelandic has retained many of its historical characteristics, making it one of the oldest living languages in Europe. English is also widely spoken, particularly in urban areas and within commercial and educational contexts, accounting for about 5.37% of the language distribution. Additionally, due to immigration, Polish has become a part of the multilingual tapestry of Iceland, with around 1.49% of residents using it as their primary language.

Different Languages Spoken in Iceland

Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - Iceland

LanguageUsage
Icelandic93.2%
English5.37%
Polish1.49%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful Icelandic Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to Iceland

Halló, hvernig hefurðu það?

Hello, how are you?

A friendly greeting to ask someone how they are doing.

Hvað kostar þetta?

How much does this cost?

Useful when shopping or dining to inquire about prices.

Hvar er ...?

Where is...?

A practical phrase to use when asking for directions to a location.

Ég skil ekki

I do not understand

Helpful when you need clarification or if you're having trouble with the language.

Vinsamlegast og takk

Please and thank you

Polite expressions to show gratitude and courtesy.

Learn to speak Icelandic

Interested in speaking Icelandic in Iceland? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

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