An interest check for language learning

November 19, 2025

This Interest Check is designed to help you determine which path suits your personality, schedule, and goals. We will focus on the choice between Swedish and Icelandic, but you can use this logic for any language dilemma.

Grab a pen or keep a mental tally. Read the following "A vs. B" scenarios and choose the one that resonates more with you.

Language Learning Interest Check

1. How much time can you realistically dedicate daily?

A: Less than a hour. I want steady progress without feeling overwhelmed. I want to be able to have basic conversations within a year.

B: More than a hour. I love a grind. I am patient and don't mind spending weeks mastering a specific grammar concept before I can speak fluently.

2. What is your primary motivation?

A: Utility & Connection. I want to speak to as many people as possible, watch Netflix shows without subtitles, and perhaps work in a Scandinavian city.

B: Heritage & History. I want to connect with the past. I am fascinated by Vikings, mythology, and reading ancient texts in their original form.

3. How do you feel about complex grammar rules?

A: Keep it simple. I want to focus on vocabulary, not memorizing charts.

B: Bring it on. I love systems and puzzles.

4. How do you feel about "special characters"?

A: I prefer a more familiar alphabet.

B: I want something that looks exotic.

5. What is your dream travel aesthetic?

A: Cozy & Urban. Sipping coffee in a cobblestone square, island hopping in an archipelago, and exploring vast green forests.

B: Raw & Dramatic. You are drawn to landscapes that look like they belong on another planet.

6. How do you feel about "Two-for-One" deals?

A: I love efficiency. I want a language that unlocks the rest of Scandinavia.

B: I prefer exclusivity. I don't mind if this language is isolated. I want to join a small, exclusive club of speakers who understand a language.

7. Where do you see yourself using this language?

A: Business & Socializing. I want to use this language in diverse area.

B: Academic & Personal. I am doing this for me.

8. How do you like your study materials?

A: Abundant & Accessible. I want to open Duolingo, watch Netflix with subtitles, and have my pick of 50 different textbooks on Amazon. I get frustrated if I can't find an answer easily.

B: Scavenger Hunt. I don't mind if resources are scarce. I enjoy the hunt for knowledge.

9. What is your tolerance for "False Friends"? (False friends are words that look like English but mean something else).

A: I can handle a few, which helps speed up learning, even if a few are tricky.

B: I want a challenge. I want to learn a totally new way of describing the world.

Bonus Check

Try reading these aloud. Don't worry about perfection; focus on how they feel to say.

Option A: Swedish (The Melodic Choice)

The Vibe: Bouncy, rhythmic, and musical. It often sounds like the speaker is singing.

Phrase 1 (Hello): Hej (Pronounced: "Hey")

Phrase 2 (How are you?): Hur mår du? (Pronounced: "Hoor mor doo?")

Phrase 3 (I love you): Jag älskar dig. (Pronounced: "Yah el-skar day.")

Option B: Icelandic (The Ancient Choice)

The Vibe: Breath-y, whispered, and softer. It has a distinct "pre-aspirated" sound (a soft 'h' breath before double consonants).

Phrase 1 (Hello): Halló (Pronounced: "Hah-loh")

Phrase 2 (How are you?): Hvað segir þú gott? (Pronounced: "Kvath say-ir thoo got?" — Literally: What say you good?)

Phrase 3 (I love you): Ég elska þig. (Pronounced: "Yeh el-ska thig" — with a soft 'th' sound at the end).

The Result

If you chose mostly A's: Start with Swedish

Why: It is the gateway to Scandinavia. It is accessible, resources are everywhere, and you will feel "fluent" much faster. It is high-reward for the effort put in.

If you chose mostly B's: Start with Icelandic

Why: You are a linguist at heart or a history buff. You aren't looking for "easy"; you are looking for deep. You will be learning the closest living language to the Vikings. It is a badge of honor to speak it.

If you had a mix:

Start with Swedish. Why? Because if you learn Swedish, you get a "discount" on learning Norwegian and Danish later (they are mutually intelligible). Once you have mastered a North Germanic language, you can attempt the "final boss" (Icelandic) with a strong foundation.

Next Step

You’ve chosen your path—now the real adventure begins. Whether you’re aiming for the sagas of Iceland or the streets of Stockholm, your toolkit is ready. Explore our resources and start your Nordic journey today.