How to Say "Happy Birthday" in Icelandic: Pronunciation & Usage

The Icelandic phrase for "Happy Birthday" is:

Til hamingju með afmælið

Pronunciation Guide

• IPA: [tʰɪl ˈhaːmiŋjʏ mɛːθ ˈafmaiːlɪð]
• Approximate: Till HAH-ming-yu meth AHV-my-lith
• Breakdown:
  • Til = to/toward
  • hamingju = luck/congratulations (dative of hamingja)
  • með = with
  • afmælið = the birthday (afmæli + definite article -ð)

Literal Meaning

"Congratulations on the birthday" — not "happy birthday" literally, but the standard idiomatic greeting.

Variations & Context

• Informal/Close: Til hamingju! (Just "Congratulations!" — common for any celebration)
• Adding name: Til hamingju með afmælið, [Name]!
• Song: Icelanders sing the English "Happy Birthday to You" tune with Icelandic lyrics: Til hamingju með afmælið, til hamingju með afmælið, til hamingju [Name] mín, til hamingju með afmælið!

Cultural Notes

• Birthdays are celebrated with cake (afmæliskaka), coffee, family gatherings
• Milestone birthdays (18, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100) are major events
• Name days (nafnadagur) also celebrated — each name has a calendar date