Question Words

1. Hvat?

   What?

   Usage

   The shortest question word; pair it with pointing

2. Hvar?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; add a place name and you are understood

3. Nær?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times or opening times

4. Hvør?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, e.g. who is in charge

   Grammar Note

   Masculine form; the neuter is "Hvat"

5. Hví?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, e.g. a delay or a refusal

6. Hvussu?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method, including how to get somewhere

7. Hvussu nógv?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

   Grammar Note

   The same phrase covers both count and amount

8. Hvat kostar tað?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The key price question, in markets and shops alike

9. Hvørt?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Used to pick from, or point at, a set of options

   Grammar Note

   Neuter form; the masculine and feminine are "Hvør"

10. Hvat er hetta?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product and ask what it is

11. Hvar er vesið?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions on any trip

    Grammar Note

    "Vesi" is a neuter noun; the definite form is "vesið"

12. Hvat er klokkan?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time, handy when making a connection

13. Hevur tú tað?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or availability; name the item first

    Grammar Note

    Insert the item: "Hevur tú eitt kort?"

14. Ber tað til?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible or allowed

    Grammar Note

    Literally "does it carry"; the standard way to ask if something is possible

15. Kostar tað nakað?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, Wi-Fi, etc. costs money

16. Er tað ókeypis?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free, e.g. samples or a map

17. Er hetta OK?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    For asking permission; use it with a pointing gesture

18. Er tað ikki loyvt?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    For double-checking after being turned down

19. Hevur tú tað gott?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Checking on someone's wellbeing — a different role from asking permission

    Grammar Note

    Literally "do you have it good"

20. Er tað satt?

    Really?

    Usage

    A quick check when something surprises you

21. Ert tú vísur?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Pressing for confirmation of a fact — more formal than the quick surprise check

    Grammar Note

    When addressing a woman, "vísur" becomes "vís"

22. Hvaðani ert tú?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A natural conversation opener

23. Hvussu eitur tú?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A natural conversation opener

    Grammar Note

    Literally "how are you called"

24. Hvussu gamal ert tú?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking a stranger's age directly, especially a woman's, can feel intrusive — best kept to close friends or children

    Grammar Note

    When addressing a woman, "gamal" becomes "gomul"

25. Kunnu vit taka mynd saman?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    For asking permission

Browse all TravelPhrases languages