Basic Vocabulary for Telling Time in Icelandic

Before diving into how to tell time, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the essential vocabulary related to time in Icelandic. This foundation will make it easier to understand and form sentences.

Key Icelandic Words for Time

• Klukka – Clock or watch
• Klukkustund – Hour
• Mínúta – Minute
• Sekúnda – Second
• Dagur – Day
• Nótt – Night
• Morgunn – Morning
• Eftir hádegi – Afternoon
• Kvöld – Evening
• Fimmtudagur – Thursday (example of day names)

Numbers for Telling Time

Numbers are integral to telling time. Here are the Icelandic numbers from 1 to 12, which are used to express hours:

1. einn
2. tveir
3. þrír
4. fjórir
5. fimm
6. sex
7. sjö
8. átta
9. níu
10. tíu
11. ellefu
12. tólf

Understanding these basic numbers is critical for telling time accurately.

How to Tell the Hour in Icelandic

Telling the hour in Icelandic can be straightforward once you understand the general structure. The most common way to express the hour is by using the verb að vera (to be) followed by the hour in the nominative case and the word klukkan (the clock/time).

Basic Structure

The formula to tell the hour is:

Klukkan + [hour in nominative case]

Example:

• Klukkan eitt – It is one o’clock
• Klukkan fimm – It is five o’clock
• Klukkan tólf – It is twelve o’clock

The verb er (is) is often implied but can be added for clarity: Klukkan er eitt.

Using the Definite Article with Hours

In Icelandic, when telling time, the hour is often in the nominative case without an article. However, in some contexts, the definite article is added, especially when referring to a specific time, e.g., Klukkan er sjö (It is seven o’clock).

Expressing Minutes Past and To the Hour

Unlike English, which commonly uses “past” and “to” to describe minutes after or before the hour, Icelandic uses a slightly different approach.

Minutes Past the Hour

To express minutes after the hour, use the following structure:

Klukkan + [hour] + og + [minutes]

The word og means “and,” so this literally means “the clock [hour] and [minutes].”

Examples:

• Klukkan þrjú og fimmtán – 3:15 (three and fifteen)
• Klukkan níu og tuttugu – 9:20 (nine and twenty)

Minutes To the Hour

To express minutes before the hour, Icelandic typically uses the word í, which means “to” or “before,” followed by the upcoming hour in the accusative case.

Structure:

Klukkan + í + [next hour in accusative case]

Examples:

• Klukkan í fimm – 4:45 (quarter to five)
• Klukkan í ellefu – 10:45 (quarter to eleven)

Common Minute Expressions

Here are some frequently used time-related expressions:

• Korter – Quarter (15 minutes)
• Hálftími – Half an hour (30 minutes)
• Hálf – Half past (used before the next hour)

Using ‘Hálf’ to Indicate Half Past

Unlike English, where “half past” refers to 30 minutes after the hour, Icelandic uses hálf followed by the next hour, indicating “half to” the next hour.

Examples:

• Klukkan hálf fimm – 4:30 (half to five)
• Klukkan hálf átta – 7:30 (half to eight)

Note that hálf is followed by the next hour in the accusative case without the article.

Using the 24-Hour Clock in Icelandic

In Iceland, the 24-hour clock format is widely used, especially in formal settings like transportation schedules, business hours, and official communications.

How to Read the 24-Hour Clock

The 24-hour time is read as two numbers separated by a colon or a dot, e.g., 14:30 or 14.30.

Examples:

• 14:00 – fjórtán (fourteen) klukkustundir (hours)
• 18:45 – átján klukkutímar og fjörutíu og fimm mínútur

In daily conversation, however, Icelanders often use the 12-hour clock with the addition of morning, afternoon, or evening to clarify the time.

Specifying Time of Day

To avoid confusion between morning and evening hours, Icelandic speakers often add:

• á morgnana – in the mornings
• eftir hádegi – in the afternoon
• að kvöldi – in the evening
• að nóttu – at night

Example:

• Klukkan þrjú á morgnana – 3 a.m.
• Klukkan þrjú eftir hádegi – 3 p.m.

Practical Tips for Mastering Icelandic Time Expressions

Learning how to tell time in Icelandic is more than memorizing numbers and phrases; it requires practice and understanding cultural context. Here are some effective tips:

• Practice with Real-Life Scenarios: Use Talkpal to simulate conversations about daily routines, appointments, and schedules.
• Listen to Icelandic Media: Pay attention to how native speakers tell time in TV shows, radio, and podcasts.
• Use Flashcards: Create flashcards for numbers, time-related vocabulary, and common phrases.
• Repeat and Record Yourself: Practice pronunciation and intonation by recording your spoken time expressions.
• Immerse in Icelandic Culture: Understanding the cultural importance of timekeeping can enhance your motivation and comprehension.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Telling Time in Icelandic

Even experienced learners can stumble over certain aspects of Icelandic time-telling. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Mixing Cases: Remember that the hour after í and hálf requires the accusative case, not the nominative.
• Misusing ‘hálf’: Don’t translate “half past” literally; Icelandic uses “half to” the next hour instead.
• Omitting Context: Without specifying morning, afternoon, or evening, times can be ambiguous.
• Incorrect Number Forms: Some numbers change form depending on case and gender – be aware of these variations.

Conclusion

Mastering how to tell time in Icelandic is an achievable goal that will greatly improve your communication skills and cultural understanding. By learning the key vocabulary, understanding the grammatical rules, and practicing regularly with tools like Talkpal, you can become proficient in telling time naturally and confidently. Remember to pay special attention to case changes, the use of “hálf,” and the distinction between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats. Embrace Icelandic time expressions as a gateway to deeper language learning and cultural immersion. With consistent effort, you’ll soon be able to navigate any Icelandic conversation about time with ease.