Learning a new language opens up a world of opportunities to connect with people from different cultures. Icelandic, spoken in Iceland, is no exception. Knowing how to greet people and celebrate with them in Icelandic can greatly enhance your travel experience or your interactions with Icelandic speakers. Here are some key celebration and greeting phrases in Icelandic that you might find useful.

Halló
Halló means “hello” in Icelandic. It’s the most common and straightforward greeting.
Halló, hvernig hefurðu það?

Góðan daginn
This phrase is used to say “Good day” and is a polite way to greet someone during the daytime.
Góðan daginn, ég vona að þú sért að hafa frábæran dag.

Gott kvöld
Use this phrase to say “Good evening” in Icelandic. It can be used during the latter part of the day and into the night.
Gott kvöld, hvað ætlar þú að gera í kvöld?

Góða nótt
This means “Good night” and is typically used when you’re about to go to sleep or when leaving someone late at night.
Góða nótt, sjáumst á morgun.

Vertu sæll (male) / Vertu sæl (female)
Translated as “Be happy,” this is a common Icelandic phrase used as a goodbye, wishing the other person well-being.
Ég verð að fara núna, vertu sæll.

Gleðileg jól
The phrase means “Merry Christmas” and is used during the Christmas season to spread holiday cheer.
Gleðileg jól og farsælt komandi ár!

Gleðilegan afmælisdag
This is how Icelanders say “Happy birthday.”
Gleðilegan afmælisdag, ég vona að þú njótir dagsins!

Gleðilegt nýtt ár
“Happy New Year” is expressed with this phrase as you celebrate the beginning of a new year.
Gleðilegt nýtt ár! Ég óska þér alls hins besta fyrir komandi ár.

Til hamingju
Til hamingju can be translated as “Congratulations” and is used to congratulate someone on an achievement or a special occasion.
Til hamingju með brúðkaupið!

Skál
Skál means “Cheers” and is commonly used when toasting with friends and family during celebrations.
Skál fyrir okkur og góðri kvöldstund!

Takk fyrir síðast
This phrase, meaning “Thanks for the last time,” is used to express appreciation for the previous time spent together.
Takk fyrir síðast, það var virkilega skemmtilegt.

Komdu sæll (male) / Komdu sæl (female)
An Icelandic way to greet someone in a cheerful tone meaning “be happy” or “be well.”
Komdu sæl, hvernig hefurðu það í dag?

Hamingjuóskir
Meaning “Best wishes,” this is a heartfelt way to wish someone happiness in Icelandic.
Hamingjuóskir á þessum merkilega degi.

Innilegar samúðarkveðjur
It translates to “Sincere condolences,” a respectful way to express sympathy in times of grief.
Innilegar samúðarkveðjur í þessum erfiðu tímum.

By learning these Icelandic celebrations and greeting phrases, you can effectively communicate your well-wishes to Icelandic friends, family, or strangers during your travels or in social gatherings. Each phrase represents a bridge to greater cultural understanding and personal connections. Gleðilegar stundir (happy times) as you practice your new Icelandic greetings and salutations!