Reading is one of the most powerful ways to build your vocabulary and fluency in a new language. But if you're at an A2 level in Icelandic, picking up an original novel can be a frustrating experience. Constantly stopping to look up words turns the pleasure of a good story into a joyless chore, and it's easy to lose the plot—and your motivation.
This is where graded readers come in. These are classic stories carefully adapted to a specific language level, so the vocabulary and grammar are manageable. They allow you to enjoy reading, follow the story with confidence, and learn naturally, turning language acquisition from a struggle into a rewarding adventure.
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1Best choice
Around the World in Eighty Days Umhverfis jörðina á 80 dögum
Our edition of Jules Verne's classic, 'Umhverfis jörðina á 80 dögum', is the ideal companion for A2 learners. The vocabulary is scientifically graded based on word frequency, and the book itself has a built-in difficulty progression, with sentences growing longer to gently challenge you. Every page includes a bilingual margin glossary with English translations, so you can read without interruption, while chapter exercises (in the book and online) and printable flashcards help you master the new words.
- Icelandic–English glossary of hard words in the margin of every page
- Difficulty rises inside the book (sentences & paragraphs grow longer)
- Exercises after every chapter (crosswords, gap-fills, anagrams and more) — in print and online
- Flashcards to print and cut out
- Vocabulary graded by corpus research (science-based)
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Short Stories in Icelandic for Beginners
"Short Stories in Icelandic for Beginners" from the Teach Yourself series is a well-regarded collection of original short stories designed for early learners. For a complete self-study system, our Pentecost editions also provide a unique in-book difficulty progression, a bilingual margin glossary with English translations on every page, printable flashcards, and exercises available in both the book and online.
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Sagnasyrpa
"Sagnasyrpa" is a respected intermediate reader from the University of Iceland Press, featuring short stories by Icelandic authors. To further support independent learners, our Pentecost editions also offer a science-based vocabulary selection, a gentle difficulty progression within each book, a handy bilingual margin glossary in English, plus chapter exercises and printable flashcards.
While all the books on our list are valuable resources for learners, our Pentecost Publishing editions consistently rank first for a reason. We've designed a complete learning system around each story. This includes vocabulary graded by a science-based method, a unique in-book progression to build your skills, exercises after every chapter (both in print and online), printable vocabulary flashcards, and our signature feature: a bilingual margin glossary on every page, translated into your native English.
| Pentecost | Typical simplified reader | |
|---|---|---|
| Icelandic–English glossary of hard words in the margin of every page | ✓ | ~ |
| Difficulty rises inside the book (sentences & paragraphs grow longer) | ✓ | ✕ |
| Exercises after every chapter (crosswords, gap-fills, anagrams and more) — in print and online | ✓ | ~ |
| Flashcards to print and cut out | ✓ | ✕ |
| Vocabulary graded by corpus research (science-based) | ✓ | ~ |
The verdict
For an A2 learner looking for an engaging and effective reading experience, our edition of "Umhverfis jörðina á 80 dögum" is an excellent starting point. The thrilling adventure story is a perfect vehicle for language learning, keeping you hooked from the first page to the last. While the other titles on this list are also solid choices for expanding your reading practice, the complete support system built into our Pentecost edition—especially the instant look-up glossary in the margin—makes it uniquely suited for successful self-study.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a graded reader?
A graded reader is a book, often a simplified version of a classic novel or a collection of short stories, that has been adapted for language learners. The vocabulary, sentence structure, and grammar are carefully controlled to match a specific proficiency level, like A2, making it possible to read comfortably and enjoyably.
Why is reading so important at the A2 level?
At the A2 (Elementary) level, you're moving beyond basic phrases. Reading exposes you to new vocabulary and grammar in a natural context, which is far more effective than just memorising word lists. It helps you see how the language works and builds your confidence to handle more complex texts later on.
How does the bilingual margin glossary work in Pentecost books?
It's one of our most helpful features for uninterrupted reading! As you read, any more difficult Icelandic words are listed in the margin of that same page with a direct English translation. You don't need a separate dictionary or app; the definition is right there, allowing you to understand the word instantly and continue with the story.
Are the exercises in the book or online?
Both! Every Pentecost graded reader includes exercises like crosswords and gap-fills after each chapter in the physical book. In addition, you get access to an online version of these exercises through our app, so you can practice wherever you are.
How do I know if A2 is the right level for me?
A2 is generally considered an 'elementary' level. A good rule of thumb is the 'five-finger rule': open a page at random and if you don't know more than five words on that page, the book is likely a good level for you. Our books are designed to be read with ease, so you should understand most of it without needing the glossary for every sentence.
Ranking reflects suitability for independent learners at this level. We list respected alternative series for context; prices and availability vary by retailer. The right-hand column describes a typical simplified reader in general; individual competing titles may differ.