Learn Faroese
Føroyskt · ≈70,000 speakers
About Faroese
Faroese (føroyskt) is a North Germanic language descended from Old West Norse, spoken in the windswept Faroe Islands — a self-governing archipelago of Denmark. It's the closest living relative of Icelandic and a survivor of one of Europe's most successful small-language revivals.
Where it's spoken
Faroe Islands, and Faroese communities in Denmark
Interesting facts
- 1Closest living relative of Icelandic — they share much of their grammar
- 2Only became an official school subject in 1937 — Danish was dominant before
- 3The Faroe Islands have one of Europe's most active small-language music scenes
Why learn Faroese?
Three reasons to make Faroese your next language.
One of the world's rarest official languages
Few outsiders ever learn Faroese — those who do are warmly welcomed.
Doorway to Norse heritage
Faroese is a living link to Old Norse, almost as conservative as Icelandic.
Dramatic Atlantic culture
From chain dance ballads to contemporary indie bands, Faroese culture is small but uncommonly vibrant.
Your learning path
Three courses move you from your first word to fluent conversation.
Beginner
Get to grips with the writing system, the basic cases, and the everyday small talk of Tórshavn.
- Greetings
- Numbers 1–10
- Colours
- Family
- Common verbs
Intermediate
Discuss food, weather, and daily life, and start reading short children's books with help.
- Travel & directions
- Food & dining
- Past tense
- Shopping
- Daily routines
Advanced
Read modern Faroese novels and ballads, and write fluently in long form.
- Subjunctive mood
- Idioms
- Business vocab
- Literature
- Debate
Related languages
If Faroese interests you, you might also enjoy these.
