Religion & Temples

1. Hvar er næsta kirkja?

   Where is the nearest church?

   Usage

   Use it to find a church for a service or a visit

   Grammar Note

   "Kirkja" is feminine, so the adjective takes the feminine form "næsta" (masculine "næsti"). Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

2. Hver eru helstu trúarbrögð á Íslandi?

   What is the most common religion in Iceland?

   Usage

   Use it as a conversation opener about the main religions of the country

   Grammar Note

   "Trúarbrögð" is a neuter plural noun, so the verb is "eru". The country takes the dative: "á Íslandi". Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

3. Má ég skoða kirkjuna?

   Is it okay to visit the church?

   Usage

   Use it at the door to check whether visitors may look around the church

   Grammar Note

   "Skoða" takes the accusative (kirkja becomes kirkjuna). "Má ég ...?" is the basic way to ask for permission. Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

4. Ég er að leita að mosku

   I am looking for a mosque

   Usage

   Tells someone that you are looking for a mosque to pray at

   Grammar Note

   "Leita að" takes the dative (moska becomes mosku). "Vera að" plus an infinitive describes an action in progress. Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

5. Er samkunduhús hér nálægt?

   Is there a synagogue nearby?

   Usage

   Use it to ask whether there is a synagogue nearby

   Grammar Note

   "Samkunduhús" combines "samkunda" (assembly) and "hús" (house); it means a synagogue and also a general meeting hall. Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

6. Ég virði siði ykkar

   I respect your customs

   Usage

   A respectful phrase for religious sites and ceremonies

   Grammar Note

   "Virða" takes the accusative; the accusative plural of "siður" is "siði". "Ykkar" is "your" for several people. Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

7. Má ég taka myndir í kirkjunni?

   Can I take photos inside the church?

   Usage

   Use it to check whether photography is allowed inside

   Grammar Note

   "Taka mynd" means to take a picture. "Í" for a location takes the dative (kirkja becomes kirkjunni). Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

8. Er búddamusteri hér?

   Is there a Buddhist temple?

   Usage

   Use it to ask whether there is a Buddhist temple

   Grammar Note

   "Búddamusteri" is a neuter compound of "Búdda" and "musteri" (temple). Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

9. Á ég að fara úr skónum?

   Should I take off my shoes?

   Usage

   Use it when entering a place of worship or a home to ask about shoes

   Grammar Note

   "Fara úr" takes the dative; the dative plural of "skór" with the article is "skónum". In Icelandic homes shoes are normally taken off at the door. Composed sentence, to be checked by a native speaker

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