Order anything by pointing in Icelandic
I would like, this one, how much, the bill: survive any counter or menu. Play the ten Icelandic words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 11 Icelandic phrases in this lesson
- Ég ætla að fá...yekh AI-tla ath FOW
- I would like...
- ÞettaTHET-tah
- This one
- Hvað kostar þetta?kvath KOS-tar THET-tah
- How much is it?
- Reikninginn, vinsamlegastRAYK-ning-in, VIN-sam-leh-gast
- The bill, please
- Með kortimeth KOR-tee
- By card
- Með reiðufémeth RAY-thu-fyeh
- In cash
- Vatnvatn
- Water
- KaffiKAF-fee
- Coffee
- Teteh
- Tea
- Bjórbyohr
- Beer
- Án...own
- Without...
Literally "I intend to get", the everyday way to order.
Point and say it.
Iceland is expensive. Knowing this phrase is essential. The hv- in Hvað is pronounced like "kv" in most Icelandic dialects. Expect prices to be noticeably higher than continental Europe.
Ask for the bill when you are ready to leave. Service is generally included in restaurant prices, and tipping is optional.
Card payments are widely accepted. Check the available payment methods at smaller or remote businesses.
Cash is accepted but increasingly rare in everyday use. Some remote rural guesthouses or farmers' markets may prefer it, so it is worth knowing the phrase and carrying some króna.
Cold tap water is generally safe to drink. Much of the supply comes from groundwater and springs, rather than directly from glaciers.
Coffee is commonly served at home, in cafés and at workplaces.
Beer was banned in Iceland until 1 March 1989, still celebrated as Beer Day.
"Án sykurs", without sugar.