Have you ever heard someone discussing Greenland and thought, “Well, that’s an interesting place. I wonder what language is spoken there?” Don’t worry; you’re not alone!
From the remote icy tundra of the Arctic Circle to its breathtaking fjords and rugged terrain, Greenland is one of the least explored places on Earth – leaving a lot up for speculation about its culture and history.
So if you want answers about what language is spoken in this Nordic country, read on!
Kalaallisut – The most widely spoken language in Greenland
Kalaallisut, or West Greenlandic, is Greenland’s most widely spoken language.
It is the official language of the country.
Kalaallisut, or just “Greenlandic,” if you want, has a unique grammar and vocabulary and is considered a member of the Eskimo-Aleut language family.
While Greenlandic dialects can vary depending on the region, most speakers of Kalaallisut can communicate with one another without difficulty.
Notably, the language has recently been the subject of preservation efforts, with a growing interest in teaching it to younger generations.
Kalaallisut is a language and a vital part of Greenlandic culture and identity.
Danish – Another functional language in Greenland
Did you know that Danish is a beneficial language to know in Greenland?
While Greenlandic is the official language, Danish is widely spoken and serves as the primary language of commerce and education.
Many Greenlanders speak Danish much more than Greenlandic, making communication easier for those proficient in both languages.
Additionally, Denmark is an important economic and political partner for Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
So knowing Danish can open up job opportunities and facilitate working relations for the Greenlanders.
With its complex grammar and unique pronunciation, learning Danish may require some effort. Still, the benefits of mastering this language are undoubtedly worth it for anyone interested in living or working in Greenland.
Danish is the first foreign language taught in Greenland’s schools, and it’s more valuable and popular than English.
English – the way to communicate in Greenland
English is the lingua franca of the world, but it’s not the case here in Greenland because the lingua franca of Greenland is Danish.
Most Greenlanders know English, especially the youngest ones, but it can be difficult to communicate in English in some places, like the remote parts of the country.
However, most locals are amiable and welcoming to visitors who try speaking even a few words of English, so don’t be afraid to try it!
For those who live in Greenland, speaking and learning English can open doors to the international market, allowing opportunities to expand their networks and improve their career prospects.
Moreover, as younger generations become more connected through technology, speaking English fluently is necessary for academic and personal growth.
Tunumiit and Inuktun
There are two additional native languages spoken in Greenland: Tunumiit and Inuktun.
However, only a tiny minority of people speak them.
You can find locals who speak Tunumiit in Tasiilaq, and Inuktun is spoken throughout the northernmost city of Greenland, Qaanaaq, and the settlements and villages around the city.
Greenlandic for Travellers Book
If you plan on visiting Greenland, buying the book “Greenlandic For Travellers” is a good idea when you first land in Greenland.
The book contains valid Greenlandic words and phrases to help visitors communicate more efficiently with locals.
It also includes a pronunciation guide to help travelers get by when speaking to the locals, making it easier for them to understand what is being said.
The book can be bought at most local shops, tourist centers, or online stores.
Knowing the language spoken in Greenland is essential for visitors, as it will help them break the ice and build connections with local people.
For me, it’s like “the bible” for every visitor in Greenland – I like to know words, at least to say hello and goodbye.
And It’s also an excellent way to show respect for the culture and local people.
So if you’re planning to visit this stunning country, take a copy of “Greenlandic For Travellers” with you!
Some useful Greenlandic phrases for travelers
Hello – Aluu
See you later – Takuss’
Goodbye – Baaj
Thank you – Qujanaq
How are you? – Qanoq ippit?
Reply to ‘How are you?’ – Ajunngilanga. Illimmi qanoq ippit?
Good morning – Iterluarit
How much is this? – Qanoq akeqarpa/t?
For more words in Kalaallisut (Greenlandic), please click here.
Famous words in Greenlandic that you probably know
Did you know some words you use that came from Greenlandic?
Some of them are “Igloo,” which came from the Greenlandic word “Illu,” which means “home”, the word “Kayak,” which was invented here in Greenland by Inuits, and “Anorak”, a type of coat with a hood.
Another word I like in Greenlandic is Nanuk, which means “Polar Bear”.
Frequently asked questions
Is English spoken in Greenland?
Yes. Although English is not the main language spoken in Greenland, it is understood by most people, especially the younger generations.
What language is mostly spoken in Greenland?
The most commonly spoken language in Greenland is Kalaallisut, also known as Greenlandic or West Greenlandic.
Most of the population is also widely spoken Danish, especially in the larger cities.
What language is Greenland similar to?
Greenlandic is close to other Inuit languages, such as Canadian Inuktitut, Yupik, and Aleut.
However, Danish has also heavily influenced the language due to its colonial history.
Why do they speak Danish in Greenland?
Danish was introduced to Greenland during the 18th century when it became a Danish territory.
Danish is still taught in Greenlandic schools, and the language is widely spoken in the largest cities.
Do they speak English in Nuuk?
Yes, English is widely spoken in Nuuk.
Most of the younger generations are fluent in both English and Kalaallisut.
Is Greenland the hardest language to learn?
Greenlandic is an agglutinative language, so it can be difficult for some learners to grasp.
Some consider Greenlandic the hardest language to learn due to its complex grammar.
However, many online resources and books can help make learning the language more accessible.
How do you say hello in Greenland?
The most common way to say hello in Greenlandic is ‘Aluu’.
It can be used when greeting people or as a casual farewell.
And if you noticed, that word is also part of my website’s name – Aluu Greenland, which means ‘Hello Greenland’.
In conclusion
Greenlandic is the official language of Greenland, but English and Danish are also widely spoken.
Learning some essential Greenlandic words and phrases before traveling to this stunning country is a great way to show respect for the local culture and build a connection with the locals.
Getting a copy of the “Greenlandic For Travellers” book will be helpful for any visitors.
Don’t forget to check my other plan guides that will help you plan your upcoming trip to Greenland.
