When traveling to Iceland or any Icelandic-speaking region, it’s important to be prepared for any emergency situation that may arise. Learning key safety instructions and emergency vocabulary can be a lifesaver. Here are some essential Icelandic terms and phrases that will help you handle emergencies with greater ease and communicate with locals when you need help.
Neyðarástand
Definition: Emergency situation
Hvar er næsta sjúkrahús? Við erum à neyðarástandi.
Translation: Where is the nearest hospital? We’re in an emergency situation.
Sjúkraþjónusta
Definition: Medical service
Ég þarf að hafa samband við sjúkraþjónustu strax.
Translation: I need to contact medical service immediately.
Öryggisleiðbeiningar
Definition: Safety instructions
Fylgið öryggisleiðbeiningunum sem eru tilgreindar á spjaldinu.
Translation: Follow the safety instructions provided on the card.
Slökkvilið
Definition: Fire department
Kvikt er à húsið! Hringdu à slökkviliðið núna!
Translation: There’s a fire in the house! Call the fire department now!
Lögregla
Definition: Police
Við þurfum að tilkynna þetta til lögreglunnar.
Translation: We need to report this to the police.
Björgun
Definition: Rescue
Björgunarteymið kom á vettvang á mettÃma.
Translation: The rescue team arrived on the scene quickly.
Neysluvatn
Definition: Drinking water
Getur þú sagt mér hvar ég get fundið hreint neysluvatn?
Translation: Can you tell me where I can find clean drinking water?
Hætta
Definition: Danger
Ekki fara þar, það er hætta!
Translation: Don’t go there, it’s dangerous!
Hjálp
Definition: Help
Hjálp! Ég er týndur og finn ekki hótel mitt.
Translation: Help! I’m lost and can’t find my hotel.
Neysluhangir
Definition: Emergency exit
Hvar er næsti neysluhangir hérna?
Translation: Where is the nearest emergency exit here?
Slys
Definition: Accident
Það var slys hérna fyrr à dag.
Translation: There was an accident here earlier today.
Bráðaliði
Definition: Paramedics
Bráðaliðar komu á slysstaðinn fljótt.
Translation: The paramedics arrived at the accident scene quickly.
Útgangur
Definition: Exit
Vinsamlegast notið þennan útgang à neyð.
Translation: Please use this exit in case of emergency.
Varúð
Definition: Caution
Varúð: Gólfið er hált.
Translation: Caution: The floor is slippery.
In learning these key Icelandic terms and phrases, you’re not only equipping yourself with necessary communication tools in case of an emergency, but you’re also showing respect to the local culture by making an effort to speak the language. Remember, in an emergency situation, every second counts, and knowing the right words can make all the difference. Stay safe and enjoy your time exploring Iceland!