Icelandic is a North Germanic language; the language is also a West Scandinavian language and as such is most closely related to Faroese. Modern Icelandic descended from Old Norse from which Old Icelandic came from. Icelandic, a North Germanic language, evolved from Old Norse, the language spoken by the Vikings who settled in Iceland around the 9th century. It has remained remarkably conservative over the centuries, preserving much of its early structure, vocabulary, and grammar, unlike many other European languages that have undergone significant changes. The first written records of the language appeared in the 12th century, with Old Icelandic sagas and other literature being composed in the language. These texts are still highly readable by modern Icelanders, which highlights the language's resistance to change over time.

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Icelandic has undergone some changes, but they are relatively minimal when compared to other languages. Over the years, Icelanders have been highly protective of their linguistic heritage, with efforts made to preserve the language’s purity by avoiding foreign influences. The establishment of Icelandic dictionaries, language institutes, and the promotion of Icelandic literature have all been integral to maintaining the language. Today, Icelandic remains the official language of Iceland, and despite the widespread use of English, the language holds strong cultural significance, with a deep connection to Iceland's literary and historical traditions.

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There are about 330,000 native speakers; however, the overall low speakers base is due to the population of Iceland rather than the language itself being endangered. ​