Learning a new language involves acquiring vocabulary across various themes and subjects. If you’re interested in the Icelandic language, understanding terms related to school subjects and the education system can be particularly useful. Whether you are talking to someone who is going through the Icelandic education system or you are trying to navigate it yourself, these terms will come in handy.

Menntun
Education. This term refers to the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.
Hann leggur mikla áherslu á menntun barna sinna.

Grunnskóli
Elementary school. In Iceland, grunnskóli refers to compulsory education for children typically between the ages of 6 and 16.
Dóttir mín er í fjórða bekk í grunnskóla.

Framhaldsskóli
Secondary school or high school. This is the level of schooling that follows elementary education, often comprising further schooling for students aged 16 to 20.
Ég er að undirbúa mig fyrir próf í framhaldsskóla.

Háskóli
University. Háskóli refers to the institution of higher education and research, which awards academic degrees in various academic disciplines.
Hann ætlar að sækja um nám í háskóla næsta haust.

Stærðfræði
Mathematics. This subject is focused on the study of numbers, quantities, and shapes.
Stærðfræði er uppáhaldsgreinin mín í skólanum.

Eðlisfræði
Physics. As a science subject, eðlisfræði deals with the properties of matter and energy.
Eðlisfræði getur verið flókin en mjög áhugaverð.

Efnafræði
Chemistry. This is the scientific study of the composition, structure, properties, and change of matter.
Ég gerði tilraun í efnafræði í dag.

Líffræði
Biology. The natural science that involves the study of life and living organisms.
Líffræðitímar eru alltaf svo lifandi og fullir af uppgötvunum.

Saga
History. The study of past events, particularly in human affairs.
Saga er mikilvæg til að skilja hvernig nútímasamfélagið mótaðist.

Íþróttir
Physical Education. This subject promotes physical activity and teaches the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Í íþróttatímum lærum við um þýðingu þess að vera virk og holl.

List
Art. The creation of works primarily for their aesthetic and emotional value.
Í listtímanum í dag byrjuðum við að læra um impressionisma.

Tónlist
Music. The subject involves studying musical theory, history, and performance.
Tónlistarkennarinn sýndi okkur hvernig á að spila á fiðlu.

Íslenska
Icelandic. The language and literature of Iceland are explored in depth through this subject.
Íslenska er ekki bara tungumálið okkar, heldur einnig lykill að menningararfi þjóðarinnar.

Enskur
English. It’s common for students in Iceland to learn English as a second language.
Við lærum ensku til að geta talað við fólk frá öðrum löndum.

Kennari
Teacher. An educator who helps students acquire knowledge, competence, or virtue.
Kennarinn minn í stærðfræði er mjög góður í að útskýra flókin hugtök.

Nemandi
Student. A learner or someone who attends an educational institution.
Sem nemandi verð ég að einbeita mér að náminu.

By learning these essential Icelandic terms related to school subjects and the education system, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively about academic topics and navigate conversations with native speakers. It’s an essential step towards fluency in any language!