What Language Do They Speak in Iceland? Icelandic, English & Cultural Identity

Iceland may be remote in geography, but its language offers a unique bridge to the past. Icelandic is not just the national language—it’s a powerful cultural symbol that’s been carefully preserved through centuries of isolation and pride.

Yet, for such a small country, Iceland is impressively multilingual. From fluent English speakers to rising immigrant languages, Iceland’s linguistic landscape is evolving without losing touch with its deep roots.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down:

• Icelandic’s history and uniqueness

• English use across the country

• Other common languages spoken

• Language learning in schools

• What it all means for visitors and locals

Icelandic – The Official and Cultural Language

📜 A Viking-Era Time Capsule

Icelandic (Íslenska) has remained remarkably close to the Old Norse spoken by the Vikings who settled the island in the 9th century. Thanks to the country’s geographical isolation and strong cultural emphasis on preservation, Icelandic has resisted linguistic shifts seen elsewhere.

Today’s Icelanders can read medieval sagas written over 800 years ago with relative ease—something virtually no other European language can claim.

Key Facts:

• Belongs to the North Germanic branch of Indo-European languages

• Uses the Latin alphabet, including unique letters like Þ (thorn) and Ð (eth)

• Known for grammatical complexity: four cases, three genders, verb conjugation based on person and tense

Iceland’s Language Preservation Efforts

Icelanders take pride in keeping their language pure and innovative. Rather than adopting foreign words, they create Icelandic alternatives using native roots.

Examples:

• Computer = Tölva (tala = number + völva = prophetess)

• Airport = Flugvöllur

• Telephone = Sími

This language policy is supported by:

• The Icelandic Language Council

• Legislation requiring public institutions to use proper Icelandic

• Active vocabulary creation for science and tech terms

Do Icelanders Speak English?

Absolutely. Over 90% of Icelanders speak English fluently—often at a native or near-native level.

🇬🇧 English Use in Daily Life:

• Taught as a core subject from age 9

• TV shows and movies are shown in English with Icelandic subtitles

• Customer service, tourism, and education use English frequently

• University-level programs are increasingly offered in English

As a tourist or non-native resident, you can easily navigate Iceland using only English. Road signs, menus, and guides are nearly always bilingual.

Icelandic vs English in Different Areas

Reykjavik and other urban areas are especially English-friendly. In rural communities, Icelandic dominates—but locals are still welcoming and helpful to English speakers.

Other Languages Spoken in Iceland

With rising immigration and global connections, Iceland’s linguistic makeup is becoming more diverse.

🌍 Top Immigrant Languages:

• Polish – Largest foreign language group in Iceland

• Lithuanian, Tagalog (Filipino), Thai – Growing communities, especially in healthcare and tourism

• Danish – Taught in schools due to historical ties with Denmark

• Ukrainian, Arabic, Spanish – Increasing due to refugee support and labor migration

Though Iceland remains officially monolingual, many public services are now beginning to provide multi-language access, especially in healthcare and education.

Language Learning in Iceland

🎓 Schools:

• Icelandic – Main instruction language

• English – Mandatory from age 9

• Danish – Introduced around age 11

• Optional: German, Spanish, French in high school

Higher education offers courses in both Icelandic and English, especially at major institutions like the University of Iceland and Reykjavik University.

The Role of Language in Icelandic Culture

🧠 Literacy and Reading:

• Iceland has one of the highest literacy rates in the world

• Per capita, more books are written and published in Iceland than anywhere else

• Literature, poetry, and storytelling are deeply woven into the national identity

🎭 Verbal Creativity:

• Icelanders enjoy wordplay, sarcasm, and dry humor

• Verbal precision is respected, and wit is admired in both Icelandic and English

• Many locals code-switch between Icelandic and English with ease depending on context

🧬 Ancestral Connection:

• Icelandic allows people to read the original Sagas, medieval texts recounting heroic tales of their ancestors

• Names, expressions, and idioms often come directly from historical sources

Danish Influence – Then and Now

Iceland was under Danish rule from the 19th century until it gained full independence in 1944.

• Danish was the primary second language for decades

• Older Icelanders may still speak or understand Danish well

• Today, it’s mandatory in schools, but not widely used in daily life

Many students now prefer English over Danish due to its practicality and broader use.

Regional Dialects & Speech Variation

Unlike many countries, Iceland has very limited dialect variation. A person from the Eastfjords can easily understand someone from the Westfjords.

There are minor variations in pronunciation and vocabulary, but nothing that divides regions linguistically.

This linguistic unity helps maintain a strong national identity, despite Iceland’s scattered geography.

Visiting Iceland as a Non-Icelandic Speaker

Good news—you don’t need to speak Icelandic to have a smooth experience.

✅ Tips for Tourists:

• Locals appreciate when you try basic Icelandic phrases

• Hello: Halló

• Thank you: Takk

• Yes: Já

• No: Nei

• Goodbye: Bless

• Tour operators, hotels, and restaurants commonly use English

• In rural areas, patience and a smile go a long way—most locals are accommodating

💡 Pro Tip: Download Google Translate or Icelandic phrase apps if you’re exploring off-the-beaten-path locations.

Challenges and the Future of Icelandic

Even with widespread use, Icelandic faces challenges in the modern world:

• English-language media
  Younger generations consume YouTube, Netflix, and social media content in English

• Tech dominance in English
  Software, online interfaces, and AI tools favor English default settings

• Immigration pressure
  Newcomers often prioritize English before learning Icelandic, especially for work

Iceland’s Response:

• Continued investment in Icelandic-language tech

• More free and subsidized language classes for immigrants

• Encouraging Icelandic usage across media and education

You can visit our blog to learn more about Icelandic culture. If you're looking for more inspiring content feel free to check out our travel hub where you can find the best time to visit Iceland and things to see in Iceland.