Learning a new language opens the door to understanding different cultures and communities. If you’re diving into Icelandic, becoming familiar with school and education-related terms can be incredibly useful, whether you are studying in Iceland, speaking with Icelandic friends, or simply expanding your linguistic arsenal. Here we have compiled a list of essential words along with their definitions and illustrative sentences to help you along your journey.

Skóli – This term means “school.” In Iceland, education is highly valued, and ‘skóli’ can refer to any educational institution, from elementary to university level.
Börnin fara í skóla klukkan átta á morgnana.

Nemandi – This is the word for “student.” Whether in primary school or university, a person who is learning or studying is a ‘nemandi.’
Ég er nemandi við Háskóla Íslands.

Kennari – Meaning “teacher,” this person is responsible for educating students in various subjects.
Kennarinn minn í stærðfræði er mjög hjálpsamur.

Menntun – Translating to “education,” ‘menntun’ encompasses both the act of learning and the system in place to facilitate this process.
Menntun er mikilvæg fyrir framtíð þína.

Námskeið – This refers to a “course” or “class” within a school or educational program.
Ég skráði mig á námskeið í íslensku.

Próf – The Icelandic word for “test” or “exam,” which assesses a student’s knowledge or skills.
Ég þarf að læra fyrir prófið í morgun.

Verkefni – Known as “homework” or “assignment,” this term refers to tasks given by teachers to students to complete outside of class.
Hún er að vinna í verkefninu sem á að skila á morgun.

Stúdent – Specifically means “university student.” In Iceland, ‘stúdent’ refers to those studying at the higher education level.
Stúdentarnir eru að undirbúa sig fyrir lokapróf.

Háskóli – This word means “university.” It’s the institution of higher education that offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Ég er að íhuga að sækja um innritun í Háskóla Íslands.

Styrkur – Refers to a “scholarship” or “grant,” which is financial aid provided to students to support their education.
Ég fékk styrk frá ríkinu til að hjálpa mér að greiða fyrir námið.

Lærdómur – Used to mean “knowledge” or “learning.” It is the information or skill acquired by a person through experience or education.
Það er mikill lærdómur fólginn í hverjum mistökum.

Bekkur – In an educational context, this means “class” as in a group of students, rather than “desk.”
Bekkurinn minn í ensku er með 25 nemendur.

Námskrá – This translates to “curriculum,” which is the set of courses, and their content, offered by a school or university.
Námskrá háskólans er birt á vefsíðu þeirra.

Einkunn – The word for “grade” or “mark,” which is used to evaluate a student’s performance.
Hún fékk háu einkunnir á öllum prófum sínum.

Útskrift – Meaning “graduation.” It is the ceremony where students receive their academic degrees or certificates upon completing their studies.
Útskriftin mín er í næsta mánuði.

By familiarizing yourself with these Icelandic educational terms, you not only enhance your vocabulary but also gain insight into the Icelandic learning environment. Whether you’re conversing with a ‘kennari,’ discussing ‘menntun,’ or navigating your way through a ‘Háskóli,’ these words are the foundation for exploring education in Icelandic-speaking contexts. Keep practicing and immerse yourself in the language, as each new word learned is a step closer to fluency. Gangi þér vel (good luck)!