Introduction

Learning Icelandic to the C2 level is a challenging but incredibly rewarding endeavor. Icelandic, with its rich history and unique linguistic features, offers a deep dive into a culture that has preserved its language for centuries. Achieving proficiency at this level requires the best resources. This article will guide you through the best C2 language learning books for mastering Icelandic.

Why Learn Icelandic to the C2 Level?

Learning Icelandic to the C2 level allows you to fully immerse yourself in Icelandic culture, literature, and daily life. The C2 level, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), denotes complete proficiency, enabling you to understand and communicate with ease in any situation.

Key Features of a Good C2 Level Icelandic Learning Book

Before diving into the specific books, it’s essential to understand the features that make a language learning book suitable for reaching the C2 level:

Comprehensive Grammar Coverage: The book should cover all aspects of Icelandic grammar in depth.

Advanced Vocabulary: It should introduce and explain advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.

Authentic Texts: The inclusion of authentic texts, such as literature, news articles, and essays, is crucial.

Exercises: The book should offer exercises that challenge your understanding and application of the language.

Audio Resources: Access to audio resources to improve listening and pronunciation skills.

Best C2 Language Learning Books for Icelandic

1. “Íslenska fyrir alla” (Icelandic for Everyone) by Ásta Svavarsdóttir

Comprehensive Approach: This book is known for its thorough approach to teaching Icelandic. It covers all aspects of the language, from grammar to vocabulary, in great detail.

Authentic Texts: It includes a variety of authentic texts, including literary excerpts, news articles, and essays, which are crucial for C2 level learners.

Exercises: The book offers a wide range of exercises that challenge the learner’s understanding and application of the language.

Audio Resources: “Íslenska fyrir alla” comes with an audio CD that helps learners improve their listening and pronunciation skills.

2. “Colloquial Icelandic: The Complete Course for Beginners” by Daisy L. Neijmann

Advanced Grammar: Although titled for beginners, this book also includes advanced grammar sections that are beneficial for C2 level learners.

Dialogues: The book includes dialogues that are useful for understanding how the language is used in everyday situations.

Exercises: The exercises in this book are designed to reinforce the grammar and vocabulary introduced in each chapter.

Audio Resources: It comes with an audio CD that provides listening practice, crucial for achieving C2 level proficiency.

3. “Icelandic: Grammar, Texts, Glossary” by Stefan Einarsson

Grammar Focus: This book is highly regarded for its in-depth coverage of Icelandic grammar, making it an excellent resource for advanced learners.

Authentic Texts: It includes a range of authentic texts that help learners understand the language in context.

Glossary: The glossary is extensive, providing definitions and explanations of advanced vocabulary.

Exercises: While the book is more focused on grammar and texts, it includes exercises to test comprehension.

4. “Learning Icelandic” by Auður Einarsdóttir and Jón Friðrik Guðmundsson

Comprehensive Coverage: This book offers comprehensive coverage of Icelandic grammar and vocabulary, suitable for advanced learners.

Authentic Texts: It includes a variety of authentic texts, including literary excerpts and news articles, which are essential for C2 level learners.

Exercises: The exercises are designed to challenge learners and help them apply what they have learned.

Audio Resources: “Learning Icelandic” comes with an audio CD that provides listening practice and helps improve pronunciation.

5. “Beginner’s Icelandic with 2 Audio CDs” by Helga Hilmisdóttir

Grammar and Vocabulary: Despite its title, this book progresses to cover advanced grammar and vocabulary, making it suitable for C2 level learners.

Dialogues: The dialogues included in the book are useful for understanding everyday Icelandic.

Exercises: The exercises are designed to reinforce the grammar and vocabulary introduced in each chapter.

Audio Resources: The book comes with two audio CDs that provide listening practice, crucial for achieving C2 level proficiency.

6. “Complete Icelandic: Teach Yourself” by Hildur Jonsdottir and Jonina Palsdottir

Advanced Grammar: This book covers advanced grammar in detail, making it suitable for C2 level learners.

Authentic Texts: It includes a variety of authentic texts, including literary excerpts and news articles, which are essential for advanced learners.

Exercises: The exercises are designed to challenge learners and help them apply what they have learned.

Audio Resources: “Complete Icelandic” comes with an audio CD that provides listening practice and helps improve pronunciation.

7. “Modern Icelandic” by Baldur Jónsson

Grammar Focus: This book is highly regarded for its in-depth coverage of Icelandic grammar, making it an excellent resource for advanced learners.

Authentic Texts: It includes a range of authentic texts that help learners understand the language in context.

Glossary: The glossary is extensive, providing definitions and explanations of advanced vocabulary.

Exercises: While the book is more focused on grammar and texts, it includes exercises to test comprehension.

8. “Icelandic: An Essential Grammar” by P.J.T. Glendening and H. Pálsson

Grammar Focus: This book provides a detailed overview of Icelandic grammar, making it an excellent resource for C2 level learners.

Authentic Texts: It includes a range of authentic texts that help learners understand the language in context.

Glossary: The glossary is extensive, providing definitions and explanations of advanced vocabulary.

Exercises: While the book is more focused on grammar, it includes exercises to test comprehension.

9. “The Basics of Icelandic: A Grammar and Workbook” by Hildur Jonsdottir

Comprehensive Grammar: This book offers a comprehensive overview of Icelandic grammar, making it suitable for advanced learners.

Authentic Texts: It includes a variety of authentic texts, including literary excerpts and news articles, which are essential for C2 level learners.

Exercises: The exercises are designed to challenge learners and help them apply what they have learned.

Audio Resources: “The Basics of Icelandic” comes with an audio CD that provides listening practice and helps improve pronunciation.

10. “Icelandic-English/English-Icelandic Concise Dictionary” by Arnold R. Taylor

Extensive Vocabulary: While not a traditional learning book, this dictionary is an invaluable resource for C2 level learners due to its extensive vocabulary listings.

Definitions: It provides clear definitions and explanations of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.

Usage Examples: The dictionary includes usage examples that help learners understand how words are used in context.

Conclusion

Achieving C2 level proficiency in Icelandic is no small feat, but with the right resources, it is entirely possible. The books listed above provide comprehensive coverage of Icelandic grammar, vocabulary, and authentic texts, along with exercises and audio resources to help you master the language. Whether you are looking for a detailed grammar guide or a book with a variety of authentic texts, there is a resource on this list that will meet your needs. Invest in one or more of these books, and you will be well on your way to achieving complete proficiency in Icelandic.