Language Learning

1. Hvernig segir maður takk á íslensku?

   How do you say "thank you" in Icelandic?

   Usage

   A standard way to ask a local how to say something

   Grammar Note

   "Segja" means "to say". "Maður" is the impersonal "one". Language names are written in lower case, and after "á" the language is dative: "íslensku". Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

2. Geturðu talað aðeins hægar?

   Can you speak a little more slowly?

   Usage

   Ask when someone speaks too fast to follow

   Grammar Note

   "Geturðu" is the contracted "getur þú". "Hægar" is the comparative adverb of "hægt" (slowly). "Aðeins" means "a little". Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

3. Geturðu skrifað þetta niður fyrir mig?

   Can you write that down for me?

   Usage

   Ask someone to write down a word or address you could not catch

   Grammar Note

   "Skrifa niður" means "to write down". "Þetta" is the neuter "this". "Fyrir" takes the accusative here, and the accusative of "ég" is "mig". Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

4. Hvað þýðir þetta orð?

   What does this word mean?

   Usage

   Ask the meaning of a word on a sign, a menu or in conversation

   Grammar Note

   "Þýða" means "to mean/translate". "Orð" is a neuter noun (word), so the demonstrative is neuter "þetta". Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

5. Ég er að læra íslensku. Getum við æft okkur saman?

   I'm learning Icelandic. Can we practise together?

   Usage

   Ask a local to be a practice partner

   Grammar Note

   "Vera að læra" means "to be learning". "Íslensku" is the accusative of "íslenska" (the language). "Æfa sig" means "to practise"; the reflexive of "við" is "okkur". Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

6. Hvernig er þetta borið fram?

   How is this pronounced?

   Usage

   Ask how to pronounce a word, such as a place name; "þ" and "ð" are tricky for learners

   Grammar Note

   "Bera fram" also means "to pronounce", and "borið fram" is the passive participle, "is pronounced". "Þetta" is the neuter "this". Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

7. Geturðu mælt með góðu námsefni í íslensku?

   Can you recommend good learning material for Icelandic?

   Usage

   Ask for study materials to keep learning after the trip

   Grammar Note

   "Mæla með" means "to recommend" and takes the dative. "Námsefni" is a neuter noun (study material), dative "góðu námsefni". "Í íslensku" means "in Icelandic". Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

8. Ég er byrjandi. Hafðu þolinmæði með mér!

   I'm a beginner. Please be patient with me!

   Usage

   Let people know you are still learning and ask for patience

   Grammar Note

   "Byrjandi" is a masculine noun (beginner) used for any gender. "Hafa þolinmæði" means "to be patient"; "þolinmæði" is a feminine noun, and "með" takes the dative "mér". Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

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