The national language of the Faroe Islands is Faroese. Danish is the official second language, taught in schools from an early age, and English is also taught from primary school and spoken by almost everyone. So while Faroese is the living, everyday language of the islands, you can travel here and be understood in English without any trouble at all.

What language is spoken in the Faroe Islands?

The language spoken in the Faroe Islands is Faroese, a North Germanic language descended from Old Norse - the tongue the Vikings brought across the Atlantic more than a thousand years ago. It is the first language of around 90% of the roughly 50,000 people who live here, and including Faroese communities abroad it is understood by up to about 100,000 people worldwide. For such a small language, that it not only survives but thrives is something we are quietly proud of.

In practice, three languages are part of daily life in the Faroe Islands: Faroese as the mother tongue, Danish as the official second language, and English, which is widely spoken. Many Faroese also understand Norwegian and Swedish, since the languages share Nordic roots.

What is the official language of the Faroe Islands?

Faroese is the official national language of the Faroe Islands. Because the islands are a self-governing nation within the Kingdom of Denmark, Danish holds status as the official second language and is taught alongside Faroese in every school. In everyday life Faroese is what you will hear in homes, shops and on the radio, but official documents and education give Danish its formal place too.

History of the Faroese language

Faroese derives from Old Norse and is closely related to Icelandic, Norwegian, Danish and Swedish. Speakers of those Nordic languages will recognise familiar words and grammatical structures. In grammar Faroese is closest to Icelandic, while in pronunciation it leans nearer to Norwegian.

For centuries Faroese was spoken but rarely written. That changed in 1846, when the Faroese Lutheran minister Venceslaus Ulricus Hammersheimb created a written standard for the language. Until 1938, schools and churches were generally only permitted to use Danish; anyone wishing to hold a church service in Faroese had to ask for permission, though the language was tolerated in some lessons, especially with young children. In 1938 Faroese and Danish were made equal in schools and churches, and in 1948 Faroese became the primary language of the Faroe Islands. You can read more in our history of the Faroe Islands.

What does Faroese look and sound like?

Faroese uses the Latin alphabet with a few extra letters that give written Faroese its distinctive look: the eth (ð), along with æ and ø, and the accented vowels á, í, ó, ú and ý. Stress almost always falls on the first syllable of a word. The spelling often looks quite different from how a word is pronounced, which is part of what makes Faroese so charming, and occasionally tongue-twisting, for visitors.

Do they speak English in the Faroe Islands?

Yes. English is taught from primary school and is spoken widely and fluently across the islands, so visitors get by easily. Menus, signs and tourist information are commonly available in English, and you will rarely find yourself stuck. Learning even a word or two of Faroese is never expected - but it is always appreciated, and it is a lovely way to connect with the Faroese people.

Useful Faroese phrases for your trip

A few words go a long way. Here are some friendly basics to try - the pronunciations are rough guides, since Faroese sounds are hard to capture in English spelling.

TRANSLATION TOOL

Need to translate a word into Faroese? Use this free translation service provided by Sprotin.

Frequently asked questions about the Faroese language

What language is spoken in the Faroe Islands?

Faroese is the language spoken in the Faroe Islands. It is the first language of around 90% of the population. Danish is the official second language, and English is widely spoken, so visitors are easily understood.

What is the official language of the Faroe Islands?

Faroese is the official national language of the Faroe Islands. As the islands are a self-governing nation within the Kingdom of Denmark, Danish is the official second language and is taught in all schools.

Is Faroese similar to Icelandic or Danish?

Faroese descends from Old Norse, like Icelandic. Its grammar is closest to Icelandic, while its pronunciation is nearer to Norwegian. It shares roots with Danish but is a distinct language in its own right.

Do they speak English in the Faroe Islands?

Yes. English is taught from primary school and spoken widely and fluently, so travellers can get by comfortably in English throughout the islands.

How many people speak Faroese?

Faroese is spoken by around 50,000 people in the islands, and including Faroese communities living abroad it is understood by up to roughly 100,000 people worldwide.