Iceland History, Language and Culture
History of Iceland
Iceland was settled by Norse seafarers more than 1,000 years ago and they first assembled in Þingvellir (now Thingvellir National Park) in the year 930.
In 1262, Iceland submitted to the King of Norway and Jónsbók (the code of laws) was introduced to the islanders in 1281. In 1397, the forming of the Kalmar Union saw Denmark, Sweden and Norway, along with Norway's colonies such as Iceland and Greenland, all came under the control of Denmark. In 1814, Norway became independent, but Iceland remained a Danish territory. In 1944, Iceland gained its independence and the new republic has been celebrating its National Day on 17 June ever since.
Did you know?
• Iceland banned all alcoholic drinks in 1915. Then over the decades, it slowly allowed red wine and spirits, but beer remained illegal until 1 March 1989 – the day is now celebrated as Bjordagur (Beer Day).
• Many Icelanders believe in the existence of huldufólk (hidden people or elves), who have been part of the Icelandic folklore for centuries.
• Icelanders do not use family names but adopt the first name of their father or mother as a last name, adding the suffix son (meaning son) or dóttir (meaning daughter).
Language in Iceland
The official language is Icelandic; English and Danish are widely spoken.
- Beer = Bjór
- Closed = Lokað
- Danger = Hætta
- Doctor = Læknir
- Entrance = Inngangur (noun)
- Exit = Útgangur (noun)
- Goodbye = Bless
- Hello = Hæ or Halló
- Hotel = Hótel
- How are you? = Hvernig hefurdu thad?
- Menu = Matseðill
- My name is = Ég heiti
- No = Nei
- Open = Opid
- Restaurant = veitingastaður
- Thank you = Takk or Þakka þér
- Today = Í dag
- Toilets = Klósett or salerni
- Tomorrow = Á morgun
- Where is ...? = Hvar er ...?
- Wine = Vín
- Yes = Já
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