Scandinavian & Nordic Greetings & Useful Phrases 

Comprising Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Icelandic and Faroese, Scandinavian and Nordic languages have become some of the most popular languages to learn in recent years. With their dramatic landscapes and friendly locals, this collection of North European countries are tourist hotspots, and the study of their languages is on the rise. For those thinking of a trip up north, we have put together a list of useful Scandinavian and Nordic greetings to help you out.

While most natives have English as second language, having the ability to converse in the native tongue is always beneficial. These basic greetings and phrases will help start your journey of discovering these exciting and unique languages.  

Scandinavian and Nordic Greetings & Useful Phrases

Swedish

Famous for its forests and wilderness, as well as giving the world IKEA, ABBA and even Spotify, Sweden is said to have one of the happiest and healthiest populations in the world! 

Scandinavian and Nordic Greetings & Useful Phrases – Swedish:

Hello – Hej!
Good morning/day/evening/night – God morgon! / Goddag! / God kväll! / God natt!
Goodbye – Hej då!
Thank you (very much) – Tack (så mycket)!
My name is … – Jag heter…
Excuse me – Ursäkta
You’re welcome – Varsågod! 

Norwegian

Home of Vikings, mythical trolls and stunning landscapes, Norway is a true adventurers paradise no matter what interests you. 

Scandinavian and Nordic Greetings & Useful Phrases – Norwegian:

Hello – Hallo
Good morning/day/evening/night – God morgen / God dag / God kveld / God natt
Goodbye – Ha det
Thank you (very much) – Takk (Tusen takk)
My name is … – Mitt navn er…
Excuse me – Unnskyld meg
You’re welcome – Vær så go

Danish

The birthplace of Lego offers much more than just the history of the worlds most popular construction toy. Stunning architecture, beer and bicycles are just a few of the regular sights when visiting Denmark. 

Scandinavian and Nordic Greetings & Useful Phrases – Danish:

Hello – Hej
Good morning/day/evening/night – God morgen / God dag / God aften / Godnat
Goodbye – Farvel
Thank you (very much) – Tak (mange tak)
My name is … – Jeg hedder…
Excuse me – Undskyld
You’re welcome – Selv tak

Icelandic

Aside from the rugged landscape, volcanoes and geysers, Iceland offers stunning waterfalls, the ability to see the Northern Lights and not a single McDonald’s restaurant in sight! 

Scandinavian and Nordic Greetings & Useful Phrases – Icelandic:

Hello – Halló
Good morning/day/evening/night – Góðan daginn / Góðan dag / Gott kvöld / Góða nótt
Goodbye – Bless
Thank you (very much) – Takk (fyrir)
My name is … – Ég heiti…
Excuse me – Fyrirgefðu
You’re welcome – þú ert velkominn/Gerðu svo vel 

Develop your knowledge of Scandinavian languages with Cactus:

Have you read about the Scandinavian Greetings and Helpful Phrases and want to learn a Scandinavian language or improve your language skills? Cactus offers a variety of great group language courses. Including online, in the UK, across the world and private classes. Learning a language has never been easier, and is a great way to uncover a different culture.