Learning Icelandic can be a rewarding endeavor, especially when you start reaching the B2 level of proficiency. At this stage, you’re expected to understand the main ideas of complex texts, interact with a degree of fluency, and produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects. To help you achieve this, we’ve compiled a list of Icelandic words and phrases that are essential for B2 level learners.

Everyday Vocabulary

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with everyday vocabulary that goes beyond basic greetings and common phrases. Here are some essential words and expressions:

1. **Ábyrgð** – Responsibility
– Example: Það er mikil ábyrgð að sjá um börn. (It is a great responsibility to take care of children.)

2. **Ástand** – Condition or State
– Example: Húsið er í góðu ástandi. (The house is in good condition.)

3. **Aðstæður** – Situations or Circumstances
– Example: Aðstæður breyttust skyndilega. (The circumstances changed suddenly.)

4. **Dæmi** – Example
– Example: Geturðu gefið mér dæmi? (Can you give me an example?)

5. **Einkunn** – Grade or Mark
– Example: Hún fékk góða einkunn á prófinu. (She got a good grade on the exam.)

6. **Eðlilegur** – Normal or Natural
– Example: Það er eðlilegt að vera stressaður fyrir próf. (It is normal to be stressed before an exam.)

Descriptive Words

Descriptive vocabulary is crucial for expressing detailed thoughts and opinions. Here are some adjectives and adverbs to enhance your descriptive language skills:

1. **Óþolandi** – Unbearable or Intolerable
– Example: Veðrið var óþolandi kalt. (The weather was unbearably cold.)

2. **Afbrýðisamur** – Jealous
– Example: Hann varð afbrýðisamur þegar hann sá þau saman. (He became jealous when he saw them together.)

3. **Óvæntur** – Unexpected
– Example: Komust þú í óvænta heimsókn? (Did you get an unexpected visit?)

4. **Ótrúlegur** – Incredible or Unbelievable
– Example: Sagan hans var ótrúleg. (His story was incredible.)

5. **Óþægilegur** – Uncomfortable
– Example: Þetta var óþægileg staða fyrir mig. (This was an uncomfortable situation for me.)

Describing People

When describing people, it’s essential to have a variety of adjectives to convey different characteristics:

1. **Ákafur** – Intense or Passionate
– Example: Hann var ákafur í vinnu sinni. (He was passionate about his work.)

2. **Ágætur** – Decent or Nice
– Example: Hún er ágætur einstaklingur. (She is a nice person.)

3. **Fróðleiksfús** – Inquisitive or Eager to Learn
– Example: Hann er fróðleiksfús og les mikið. (He is inquisitive and reads a lot.)

4. **Viðkunnanlegur** – Likeable or Agreeable
– Example: Hún er mjög viðkunnanleg. (She is very likeable.)

5. **Hugrakkur** – Brave or Courageous
– Example: Hann sýndi hugrekki í erfiðum aðstæðum. (He showed bravery in difficult situations.)

Expressing Emotions

Being able to articulate your emotions is a significant part of reaching B2 level proficiency. Here are some words to help you express a range of emotions:

1. **Reiður** – Angry
– Example: Hann var mjög reiður út í mig. (He was very angry with me.)

2. **Kvíðinn** – Anxious
– Example: Ég er kvíðin fyrir prófinu. (I am anxious about the exam.)

3. **Hamingjusamur** – Happy
– Example: Hún var hamingjusöm með árangurinn. (She was happy with the result.)

4. **Depurð** – Sadness or Melancholy
– Example: Það var mikil depurð í hjarta hennar. (There was much sadness in her heart.)

5. **Undrandi** – Amazed or Surprised
– Example: Við vorum undrandi yfir fréttunum. (We were amazed by the news.)

Advanced Verbs

Verbs are the backbone of any language, and at the B2 level, you should be comfortable using more advanced verbs:

1. **Að samþykkja** – To Approve or To Agree
– Example: Þau samþykktu tillöguna. (They approved the proposal.)

2. **Að efast** – To Doubt
– Example: Ég efast um að hann komi. (I doubt that he will come.)

3. **Að einbeita sér** – To Concentrate
– Example: Það er erfitt að einbeita sér í hávaða. (It is difficult to concentrate in noise.)

4. **Að framkvæma** – To Execute or To Perform
– Example: Hann framkvæmdi verkið með prýði. (He performed the task excellently.)

5. **Að takast á við** – To Cope With or To Deal With
– Example: Hún er góð í að takast á við álag. (She is good at coping with stress.)

Useful Phrases and Idioms

Idioms and set phrases add a natural touch to your language use. Here are some useful ones for B2 level learners:

1. **Að láta ekki deigan síga** – To Not Give Up
– Example: Þrátt fyrir erfiðleikana lét hún ekki deigan síga. (Despite the difficulties, she did not give up.)

2. **Að ganga í takt** – To Be In Sync
– Example: Þau ganga alltaf í takt í vinnunni. (They are always in sync at work.)

3. **Að vera á sama máli** – To Agree
– Example: Við erum á sama máli um þetta. (We agree on this.)

4. **Að vera í essinu sínu** – To Be In One’s Element
– Example: Hún var í essinu sínu á sviðinu. (She was in her element on stage.)

5. **Að taka tillit til** – To Take Into Account
– Example: Við þurfum að taka tillit til allra sjónarmiða. (We need to take all perspectives into account.)

Technical and Professional Vocabulary

As you advance, you’ll need to understand and use more technical and professional vocabulary. Here are some examples:

1. **Tækifæri** – Opportunity
– Example: Þetta er gott tækifæri fyrir okkur. (This is a good opportunity for us.)

2. **Fjárfesting** – Investment
– Example: Fjárfestingin hefur skilað góðum árangri. (The investment has yielded good results.)

3. **Ávinningur** – Benefit
– Example: Hver er ávinningurinn af þessu verkefni? (What is the benefit of this project?)

4. **Skuldbinding** – Commitment
– Example: Skuldbinding hans var áberandi. (His commitment was noticeable.)

5. **Þróun** – Development
– Example: Þróunin í tækni hefur verið hröð. (The development in technology has been rapid.)

Grammar and Syntax Tips

Understanding complex grammar and syntax is crucial at the B2 level. Here are some tips to help you:

1. **Subjunctive Mood**: Icelandic uses the subjunctive mood to express wishes, doubts, and hypothetical situations. For example:
– Ég vildi að ég væri í fríi. (I wish I were on vacation.)

2. **Passive Voice**: The passive voice is used to emphasize the action rather than the doer. For example:
– Verkefnið var klárað á réttum tíma. (The project was completed on time.)

3. **Relative Clauses**: These are used to provide additional information about a noun. For example:
– Maðurinn, sem býr í næsta húsi, er læknir. (The man, who lives in the next house, is a doctor.)

4. **Conditional Sentences**: These are used to discuss real and unreal situations. For example:
– Ef ég hefði meiri tíma, myndi ég læra fleiri tungumál. (If I had more time, I would learn more languages.)

5. **Prepositions**: Icelandic prepositions can be tricky because they often require a specific case (nominative, accusative, dative, or genitive). For example:
– Hann býr hjá mér. (He lives with me. – dative case)

Reading and Listening Practice

To solidify your understanding and usage of these words, consistent reading and listening practice is essential. Here are some suggestions:

1. **Books and Articles**: Reading Icelandic literature, newspapers, and online articles can greatly enhance your vocabulary and comprehension skills. Look for materials that are slightly above your current level to challenge yourself.

2. **Podcasts and Radio**: Listening to Icelandic podcasts and radio stations can help improve your listening skills and expose you to different accents and speaking styles.

3. **Movies and TV Shows**: Watching Icelandic movies and TV shows with subtitles can be an enjoyable way to improve your language skills. Try to watch without subtitles as you become more confident.

4. **Language Exchange**: Engaging in language exchange with native Icelandic speakers can provide real-life practice and help you learn colloquial expressions and idioms.

5. **Online Courses and Apps**: There are numerous online courses and language learning apps that offer structured lessons and practice exercises for intermediate to advanced learners.

Conclusion

Reaching a B2 level in Icelandic is a significant achievement that opens up new opportunities for communication and cultural understanding. By expanding your vocabulary with the words and phrases listed in this article, you can enhance your ability to express yourself more fluently and accurately. Remember to practice regularly, engage with native speakers, and immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. With dedication and persistence, you’ll continue to make great strides in your Icelandic language learning journey.