Island
/ˈiːslant/neuter
Iceland in German is Island.
Island is the name of the country in Europe.
Meaning: country in Europe (name)
Which one should you use?
While the country Iceland is called Island, the general noun for an island is Insel.
How does it change in a sentence?
Island is a neuter noun. In written German, the word for Iceland is capitalized as Island.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈiːslant/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistake the German word for the country Iceland (Island) with the English word for a piece of land surrounded by water (Insel).
Did you know?
- The German word Island is a calque of the Old Norse Ísland, meaning it was created by translating the original words for 'ice' and 'land' directly.
- The letter 'I' in Island is a bit of a survivor, as it maintains the Scandinavian 'I' sound instead of shifting to the German 'Ei' seen in other words.
- While many German words for foreign places have distinct Germanic roots, Island was heavily influenced by the Danish spelling Island to ensure it stayed consistent with its neighbors.
Examples in context
- Sie sind aus Island.They're from Iceland.This sentence is useful for stating someone's place of origin using Island.Tatoeba #5703502 by halfdan, translation #3705508 by Ricardo14
- Island ist eine Insel.Iceland is an island.This sentence is useful for describing the geography of Island.Tatoeba #8240946 by Luiaard, translation #6976445 by Hybrid
- Island gehörte zu Dänemark.Iceland belonged to Denmark.This sentence is useful for discussing historical relations regarding Island.Tatoeba #1520304 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #424864 by CM
- Warst du schon mal in Island?Have you ever been to Iceland?
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their travel plans.
- JuliaMöchtest du nach Island reisen?Would you like to travel to Iceland?
- MaximilianJa, Island ist sehr schön.Yes, Iceland is very beautiful.
- JuliaIch habe gehört, Island ist kalt.I heard Iceland is cold.
- MaximilianDas stimmt, aber es ist toll.That is true, but it is great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “iceland” translations and entries Island, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Island, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
