Do They Speak English in Iceland?
Short answer – yes. I have spent weeks in Iceland and was never hindered by language barriers. I have spent days driving around the entire country and was able to communicate with everyone without trouble. English is taught as a second language in schools and is widely used in tourism and business contexts. However, Icelandic is the official language of Iceland.
Do They Speak English in All Regions of Iceland?
If you are in an urban area and popular tourist destinations such as Reykjavik or driving the Golden Circle, you will be among more people who speak English fluently. If you are traveling to more of the remote sections of Iceland where there is not much tourism and an older demographic, English proficiency may not be as widespread. In that situation, even if someone isn’t fluent in English, they are more than likely able to communicate in English to some degree.
Cities in Iceland with a higher tourist influence have many of their signs, menus, and directions in English which is really helpful. This made eating at restaurants or finding the next stop easier and if I ever did have a question, the locals are very generous to help.
No matter where you travel within Iceland you will be able to communicate with locals due to around 98% of them being fluent in English. Many of the tourists are visiting from English-speaking countries, if they aren’t, many speak a level of English.
The sign in the picture below is a great example from Sky Lagoon that lists all of the 7 steps of “The Ritual” experience in English. P.S. I highly recommend this experience before your flight home and recommend scheduling a reservation since it’s a hot attraction!
Do They Teach English in Iceland?
Yes, English is taught as a second language in Iceland to children starting in primary school. It is a mandatory subject in schools and typically is taught from primary through secondary schools. The education system puts importance on learning English due to the global economy, tourism, and that English is a primary foreign language in Iceland.
Media is a helpful assistance to the youth while learning English due to the number of channels that record in English. There are a mass amount of movies, TV shows, radio stations, video games, and more that are all in English. This not only helps children, but people of all ages in Iceland to become more familiar with the language by the increased exposure.
Why Do They Teach Children English in Iceland?
Since English is a globally known language, it is helpful for children in Iceland to learn the language at a young age for the country’s future. Those who started English classes as children and are growing up in the community will be more adept as time goes on.
Iceland is a sought-after destination by many tourists and having the ability to speak directly with tourists when they are of working age is beneficial. Not only will they be able to understand more about what tourists are asking, but they will more than likely receive higher tips due to the customer service that tourists feel is appropriate. As a tourist when you travel to another country and are communicating with a local, it is very settling when you don’t have to worry about possible frustrations that can come out of
With English being the predominant language in the global economy, this not only helps tourism within Iceland, but other businesses that operate internationally.
What Other Languages do They Speak in Iceland?
Do they speak English in Iceland? Yes. Do they speak other languages in Iceland? Yes.
The official language of Iceland is Icelandic, which has its roots in the Germanic language. Icelandic shares similarities with Old Norse, connecting the language to the era of the Vikings. Additionally, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, French, and German are among the commonly spoken foreign languages in Iceland.
Fun fact: Until 1944, Danish served as the official language of Iceland, owing to Iceland’s status as a part of the Kingdom of Denmark. In that year, Icelanders voted to secede from the kingdom, establishing the Republic of Iceland. Despite this historical shift, Danish continues to be taught in Icelandic schools as a foreign language for students.
Do Locals Get Annoyed by Speaking English to Tourists?
No, locals are not bothered by tourists speaking English. English is introduced into the school curriculum as early as first or second grade, so many locals are accustomed to the language.
What might bother locals is when someone tries to assert the dominance of English negatively. It’s important to remember that everyone communicates differently and may have English as a second language. When traveling, it’s generally recommended to use the common language, which is often English, to facilitate communication. Using a different language may unintentionally create misunderstandings or give off a negative impression if others are unable to understand your intentions.
Basic Phrases to Learn in Icelandic
When traveling, there’s no expectation for you to be fluent in another language. If you’re feeling anxious about traveling and would like to learn some useful keywords for your trip to Iceland, I’ve provided four words below:
If you are someone who loves to learn other languages or feels more comfortable if you know a wee bit more words/phrases, I highly suggest using the Duolingo or Babbel app on your phone!
Do Locals Appreciate if You Learn Phrases in Icelandic?
It’s understood that when you visit another country, you’re unlikely to be fluent in the local language. However, this is part of the excitement of traveling – experiencing new cultures and languages.
Learning simple greetings like “hello” or “thank you” in the native language can make a positive impression on locals. Not only does it help break the ice in interactions, but it also demonstrates your respect for their culture.
People often respond warmly when they see someone making an effort to communicate in their language, developing a sense of connection and mutual respect.
Conclusion: Do They Speak English in Iceland?
Yes, they speak English in Iceland. About 98% of the locals can communicate fluently in English throughout the entire country, the rest are familiar with English. If you are planning a trip to Iceland and are concerned about the language barrier, please don’t fret it.
If you are walking around the city or hiking in the highlands, you won’t have a problem with speaking to locals or other tourists in English. So pack your bag, get excited about your trip, and have the journey of a lifetime in a culture-rich country!
Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels
Are you planning a trip to Iceland soon? Check out these posts to learn a little more about the best places to go, hotels, reasons to go, where to eat, and more!
