Tourist MICE Business and Investment Press & Agents

The Official Tourism and Business Site of Greenland

English dansk deutsch
TouristTravel offersTravel infoTowns & RegionsCultureNature & ClimateActivitiesCruise
 
  • Maps & Geography
  • Travel Routes
  • Travel seasons
  • Local transport
  • Clothing
  • Language
  • Souvenirs
  • Currency and prices
  • Shopping
  • Safety
  • Communications
  • Accommodation
  • Literature about Greenland
  • Electricity
  • Passport and visa regulations
  • Tourist offices
  • Ask about Greenland
Print pagePrint pageSend linkSend linkBookmark and Share

Language

The Greenlandic language

1st day at school - photo by Steen-Karup
1st day at school
Kalaallisut - "the Greenlanders’ language"
Greenlandic belongs to the Inuit-Aleut family of languages that is spoken by some 80,000 Inuits in Alaska, Canada and Greenland. In terms of its structure the language is completely different to Indo-European languages, and as a visitor to Greenland you will find that you understand absolutely nothing when Greenlandic is spoken – or ‘kalaallisut’, as it is called, which actually means ‘the Greenlanders’ language’.

Other languages in Greenland
Danish is the first foreign language learnt in Greenland’s schools, and the majority of the population also speak good Danish, especially those living in the towns. Danes can therefore easily get by with Danish when visiting Greenland. Many young people who have attended a course of study in Denmark or abroad also speak good English. Tourist offices often have personnel that are able to speak German and sometimes also French. Guided excursions are usually available in several languages. Contact your local tourist office to hear which language services they are able to provide.

A couple of useful expressions in Greenlandic
The Greenlandic sound that is spelt with a /q/ can cause some problems, but is pronounced almost like /kr/. Another special sound is /ll/ or /rl/ which is pronounced almost like /sl/.

English Greenlandic
What’s your name? Qanoq ateqarpit?
When shall we leave? Qaqugu aallassaagut?
Today? Ullumi?
Tomorrow? Aqagu?
Thank you Qujanaq

You can read much more about the Greenlandic language in the handbook “Greenlandic for Travellers”, which can be bought on the Internet or at good bookshops. The book should be able to expand your vocabulary from the three words you perhaps already know: Kayak, igloo and anorak.

Qujanarsuaq! (Thank you very much)
 





click here

Review / feedback

Did you receive the information you required or do you still require some more information?
Help us to improve Greenland.com by providing your comments to the article above.
My comments:
Captcha billede
Please enter the text from the picture:


Pages
My journey
You have  pages in your booklet
What is this?
Go to my journey

Most read articles

  • 1. Northern Lights - Aurora Borealis
  • 2. The weather in Greenland
  • 3. Ilulissat Icefjord: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • 4. Travel Routes
  • 5. Traditional dress
  • 6. Package tours to Greenland
  • 7. Nuuk
  • 8. Hiking
  • 9. South Greenland
  • 10. Ilulissat

Travel offers

New Magazine about Greenland
New Magazine about Greenland
  • Description
Subscribe online and pay less.
Greenland Today
Experience Maniitsoq
Experience Maniitsoq
  • Description
Tours in Maniitsoq area
Maniitsoq Adventures Incoming
Greenland close up!
Greenland close up!
  • Description
  • Details
The world’s newest explorer ship, MS Fram, will introduce you to unique experiences from Greenland.
Type: Cruise
Duration: from 1 day
Hurtigruten Greenland A/S
ADVENTURES IN AND AROUND NUUK
ADVENTURES IN AND AROUND NUUK
  • Description
  • Details
Tupilak Travel offers whale safaris, boat excursions, fishing, town walks and hiking.
Location: Nuuk
Tupilak Travel Greenland
Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat
Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat
  • Description
  • Details
Ilulissat, birthplace of icebergs. Kangerlussuaq, easy access to the Ice Cap. Pure Relaxation in Majestic Greenland.
Type: Package tour
Greenland Travel
This ad space can be yours...
This ad space can be yours...
  • Description
Be visible on Greenland's official tourism portal. Buy an ad space to a very favourable price!
Grønlands Turist- og Erhvervsråd
New Magazine about Greenland
New Magazine about Greenland
  • Description
Subscribe online and pay less.
Greenland Today
Arctic Char Fishing
Arctic Char Fishing
  • Description
The best arctic char fishing and comfort in one place
Kangia Camp
Exclusive adventure tours and expeditions to East- and North Greenland
Exclusive adventure tours and expeditions to East- and North Greenland
  • Description
  • Details
Expeditions in THULE or East Greenland - tremendous experiences!
Type: Expedition
Duration: from 18 days
Prices from: EUR3610,-
polar-travel.com
Apussuit skiing adventures
Apussuit skiing adventures
  • Description
Experience skiing in Apussuit
Apussuit Adventure Camp

 

About GTBC Disclaimer Privacy Sitemap
info@greenland.com Contact Greenland Tourism & Business Council