Learning a new language opens doors to understanding a culture and its people on a profound level. Among the essential aspects of daily life in any country is the weather, and when it comes to Iceland, weather defines much of its incredible landscapes and lifestyle. Here is a list of Icelandic weather vocabulary that will help you discuss the climate like a native when in the Land of Fire and Ice.
Veður
The Icelandic word for “weather”. It is the general term used to describe the atmospheric conditions at a particular place and time.
Hvernig er veður í dag? (How is the weather today?)
Hiti
This term means “temperature”. It is a measure of how hot or cold the atmosphere is.
Hiti í Reykjavík er tíu gráður í dag. (The temperature in Reykjavik is ten degrees today.)
Sól
Translated as “sun”, this word is particularly cherished in Iceland given the long dark winters.
Sólin skín í dag! (The sun is shining today!)
Ský
This means “clouds”. Iceland often has skies full of dramatic cloud formations.
Skýin eru falleg í kvöld. (The clouds are beautiful this evening.)
Regn
Simply put, this is “rain”. An important word, considering that Iceland experiences a lot of it throughout the year.
Er það regn í spánni fyrir helgina? (Is rain forecast for the weekend?)
Vindur
This stands for “wind”. The Icelandic landscape experiences a wide range of wind conditions which can change quickly.
Vindurinn er mjög sterkur í dag. (The wind is very strong today.)
Snjór
Translates to “snow”, a common sight in Iceland, especially in the winter months.
Snjórinn fell yfir nóttina. (The snow fell overnight.)
Ísing
Meaning “icing” or “freeze”, it refers to the freezing of surfaces, which is common during Icelandic winters.
Varaðu við ísing á vegunum. (Beware of icing on the roads.)
Stormur
This word means “storm”. Given Iceland’s location in the North Atlantic, storms can be frequent, especially in the winter.
Stormurinn er væntanlegur á morgun. (The storm is expected tomorrow.)
Þoka
“Þoka” means “fog”. Foggy conditions are typical in coastal areas and can have a significant effect on visibility.
Þoka þykk við ströndina. (The fog is thick near the coast.)
Logn
Meaning “calm”, this refers to the absence of wind or a very light breeze. It’s a moment of respite from the frequently windy weather.
Það er logn og kyrrð í dag. (It is calm and peaceful today.)
Exploring Iceland’s dramatic weather and rich language will undoubtedly be much more delightful with these vocabulary words in your arsenal. Whether conversing with locals or understanding the weather report, these terms will serve as a bridge to a deeper and more engaging Icelandic experience. Remember, weather in Iceland can change rapidly, so always be prepared to use these vocabulary words in different scenarios – often all in the same day!
