The Grapevine’s Guide To Learning Icelandic

Langar þig að læra íslensku?

Whether you’re a polyglot looking for a new fix, a scholar of medieval studies hoping to bolster your résumé, or (probably more likely than the former two) someone who lives in Iceland and just wants to take a deeper part in society, there are many reasons to learn Icelandic.

But how the hell do you do it? Especially if you’re an adult, with a fully formed and very stubborn-to-its-mother-tongue brain. If you’re here, your language learning journey could be as complicated as learning that سمنة is smjör, or just that smør is smjör (sorry Danes, that was a cheap shot, even you are allowed to struggle with Icelandic). There are many options, and we’ve tried to outline and compare some for you here. Gangi þér vel og góða skemmtun!

The University of Iceland

Go figure — we’re going to list the University of Iceland first as a place to learn Icelandic.

At the university, they have three pathways: a one-year diploma in practical Icelandic (which is full-time study, six hours in class a week + out-of-class work), a new two-year diploma in academic Icelandic (part-time study), or a three-year bachelor’s degree (full-time study, nine hours in the classroom a week). The one-year diploma has been one of the most popular programmes at Háskóli Íslands since its inception, and, since 2023, they’ve offered the programme both in person and online (as long as you’re in Iceland).

But, because these programmes operate as a year-long course, applications are only open once a year. If you’re already residing in Iceland but are not a citizen, your application deadline is May 20. For the one-year programme, you have to have a basic knowledge of Icelandic before beginning, and you’re required to pass an entrance exam and interview. If you’ve completed a certified Icelandic as a second language course, then you are exempt from this exam.

There’s also the University of the Westfjords, which offers a five-day introductory crash course intermittently, and higher levels at one, two, and three-week stints.

However, attending university might not be your vibe. Whether it be the time commitment, cost, location, or anything else, there are other options. Hey — while we’re talking cost — if you are in a union in Iceland and want to learn Icelandic, always check and see if you can get your course refunded. Additionally, the Directorate of Labour offers free courses for foreign nationals who receive benefits or have refugee status.

Let’s go through some other options.

MúltíKúltí

I’m going to write first about the one I have experience with — MúltíKúltí. With a name that Iceland-ifies “multicultural,” they do hold up to that title. I took two courses there, Icelandic Level 1 and 2, in English, but they have offered Icelandic lessons in Arabic, Portuguese, Ukrainian, Spanish, and Russian. They offer many different scheduling options — including night classes — and an intensive version, which is every weekday, two hours a day. I chose to attend because of the intensive courses, but I recognise that it requires a job where you’re not working in the middle of the day, every weekday. MúltíKúltí is located in Hlíðar, and offers 60 course hours for 57.000 ISK.

The Tin Can Factory

First off, I’ll posit that this is the language school with the coolest name. Dósaverksmiðjan! Næs. Tin Can is definitely known for its variety of courses: 2-2-3 shift compatible courses, Icelandic for kids and teens, Icelandic acquisition through acting and theatre, online courses, and night courses. I’ve heard their emphasis on getting students to practice Icelandic outside the classroom, at coffee shops and museums, is beneficial. They’re located in Skeifan, and offer 60 course hours for 58.900 ISK.

Mímir

Mímir are the big guys. Named for the Norse god of deep wisdom, Mímir is a professional education spot that hosts a lot more courses than just language ones. But, for our intents and purposes, they offer Icelandic courses — many, too. They offer Icelandic taught in Vietnamese, Lithuanian, Polish, and Arabic; they offer specific courses to prepare you to work in a kindergarten or for a citizenship test. Some say their methods are outdated, but others say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Others would counter “it” is a little “broke” and maybe “it” could use a little fixing. They’re located in Grafarvogur and offer 40 course hours for 59.500 ISK.

Drawing by Steingrímur Gauti Ingólfsson

School’s out!

If the classroom isn’t your jam, or you simply don’t have time to work it into your schedule, we get it. There are even more alternatives. In this day and age, there are always apps and websites: Icelandic Online (exercises of grammar, listening, and reading), Tungumálatorg (textbooks, television shows, general resources), Ylhýra (reading comprehension), RÚV Orð (vocabulary acquisition through television) and TVÍK (variety of exercises on an app, aimed at social participation) are mentioned most often to me. Icelandic Online, Tungumálatorg, Ylhýra and RÚV Orð are free, and TVÍK costs 48.500 ISK. If you’re in the Capital Region, the City Library of Reykjavík at Grófin puts on conversational practice events — everything from museum tours to board games — in its “Ertu að læra íslensku?” series.

And then there’s simply the classroom of going out in Iceland. Whether you’re learning by eavesdropping or have the thick skin to practice speaking in public, you’re — we’re — trying to learn a language that’s happening all around us.