Dwarven Dictionary

Overview

This is not a warning, this is an overview, a bit of realtalk. This language, this Dvergtunga, the language of the dwarves, is a language not designed to be spoken by us. It is meant to support the stories and fill the world with history & life. To construct this scattered language I am using three resources: the Old Germanic dictionary provided by the Sächsische Akademie der Wissenschaften Leipzig, Wikiling languages for Old Germanic and the Old Norse Dictionary by Walter Baetke.

Dvergtunga (Dwarventongue), the language of the Dwarves, looks like the dwarves themselves: unmoving, made out of stone, steel and wood and is spoken that way. But that is not entirely true. Yes, the language is a bit hard to learn, but which language isn't? So lets take a look at the general structure. Fret not, this is only an overview and it is not relevant for all kinds of exams.

Syntax

Dwarvish exhibits a certain flexibility in word order, allowing for emphasis on different elements of a sentence. In the common speech subject-verb-object (SVO) is standard. Formal or poetic speech can also use subject-object-verb, but are more vage with it or use a different form or structure. The predicate like in the human language is entirely optional.

Plurals

The "-in" suffix is used for plurals in the standard form, but more complex pluralization patterns exist in regional dialects. For instance, "grjótin" (stones) or "stálinn" (metals).

Questions

Complex questions can be formed using interrogative particles and inversion, allowing for detailed interrogation of various aspects of the sentence. This means that a question like this "What did you do with the sword?" can be transformed into "What did you do with the weapon of yours that was sharp and pointy and what was your action that altered its state of existence and placement?"

Vocabulary

The Dwarven language boasts an extensive vocabulary, including synonyms and nuanced terms for specific concepts, materials, and actions. You will notice this in the dictionary below, where they have different words for "stone", as in an object or as the material, where the human language for example only has "stone" for both.

Dialects

Dwarvish dialects exhibit variations in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar, with some dialects preserving archaic forms and others influenced by regional languages or with each other. You might notice different words for e.g. guards in the dictionary below. Some are positions of honour, others are deprecated or archaic. "Vaka" is the most used form of the term "guard".

Beginners Dictionary

Dwarvish	Common	Meaning
jót/-jót-	Stone	The general word for the material stone or things out of stone, including mountains.
Steinn	(the) Stone	The object stone, not the material. Like a singular gem or a pebble.
Jótbjarg	(the) Mountain (sgl.)	The general word for a mountain. Not a specific one. Like "This mountain over there."
Bjargjót	Mountainstone	The rock of the mountains, their "flesh".
Fjall	Mountains (pl.)	The general word for more than one mountain, just like "These mountains over there."
Fjallmark	Mountainmark	Territory among the peaks
Fjallborg	Mountainhold	A stronghold within the mountains
-vinur	friend/mate	Often used in more private or friendship context. Some use it as a suffix for honorary titles like Fjallvinur, which means "Friend of the Mountain" or "Mountain Friend". It symbolises that the wearer of the title is a friend of the Dwarves.
Skuggagrjót	Shadowstone	Dark, mysterious stone
Málmskjöldr	Metalshield	A strong, protective metal
Eldrhamarr	Firehammer	A tool for forging in the flames
Járn	Iron	Describes the material of Iron
Járnblíð	Ironheart	Resilient, unwavering, metaphorical for a strong will.
Grjóthjarta	Stoneheart	Solid, unyielding character
Skapaðskepnur	Craftsmen	Those skilled in creation
Klæðiklæði	Clothier	Masters of textile craftsmanship
Sjálfþolinmóðr	Self-reliant	Independent and strong
Eikinskald	Oakenshield	Stout and protective
Skuggalundur	Shadowwood	Dark, resilient wood
Silfurgrifur	Silverbeard	An elder with a silvery beard
Stálmóðir	Steelmother	Respected, wise female leader
Járn	Iron	The metal, sometimes the resource
Skjaldur	(the) Shield	Normally used for the protection wielded by soldiers, sometimes used metaphorically
Stál	(the) Steel	The material steel.
Dvergur - Dwarf	(a) Dwarf	The name for the species of a dwarf, a dwarf itself like "Ah, a Dvergur" or "Ah, a Stonekin / a Stonekin Dvergur." Works as a name for their clans as well.
Hjarta	(the) Heart	Means the literal heart of a being, a person or the metaphorical heart of a thing like a mountain, a construct or a city.
Eldur	Fire	Describes the fire of a forge, a campfire or just fire.
Málmi	Metal	The music style, the material, the resource or the metaphorical adaption of the sturdyness of the material.
Grjót	(the) Rock	Not the music style, it means the rock which is falling down a mountain or is laying beside a way.
Klæði	Cloth	No specific cloth, just fabric in general.
Mál	(the) Craft	Not a specific craft, just as one would ask "What is your craft?"
Skapa	(to) create	The process of creating, the activity.
Sjálfur	Self	Means the reference to oneself.
Vegur	Way, Path	Is used for both meanings if it is a small path or a bigger way.
Björg	Blessing, Protection	The blessing of a god or the protection of a king. Or both.
Skugga	(the) Shadow	Is normally used for the shadow one is casting in the light.
Silfur	(the) Silver	The material, silverware or coins.
Hugur	(The) Spirit/Soul	Normally refered to the spirit of a person or the eternal soul which houses in all Dvelgur and other beings. Forged in the grand forge of the Goddess of the Forge.
Sjálfaldur	Selfless	Being selfless or be a selfless person. Depending on the context.
Höf	(the) Honour	It is all about Honour and be it as an insult "You have no honour!" or as "That would be honourable."
Vaka	(a) Watch or a Guard
Sálin	(The) soul	A term of endearment like "You are my soul" or "You are the forge to my soul."
Hamingja	Luck, Happiness	Describes to have luck or the feeling of happiness.
Skald	Poet, Storyteller	In the old days Skalds were people of the law, of jurisdiction. Now they are better bards and they are good at what they are doing.
Hjartasteinn	Heartstone	A precious gemstone
Skjaldhamarr	Shieldhammer	A tool for crafting shields, basically a hammer with a round head to carve the curve of the shield
Tunga	Tongue	Refers to a way of speaking, a dialect or an entire language.
Eldrskap	Firecraft	The art of working with fire
Járnbrauð	Ironbread	A hearty, iron-rich bread
Grjótgarður	Stonegarden	A beautifully landscaped garden
Skapaðflaugar	Craftwings	Flying kite-like bomber
Klæðifoss	Clothfall	A "waterfall" of fine textiles. Not a literal waterfall, it is often used to describe the lower part of a dress, where the cloth "falls".
Fjallskáld	Mountainbard	A poet of the mountains
Björgblessi	Mountainblessing	A sacred ritual in the peaks
Sjálfraun	Self-journey	A personal quest or adventure
Fjallsmíður	Mountainbuilder	Master builders of the mountains
Málmbaugur	Metalring	Symbol of unity and strength, sometimes even used as a ring of betrothal
Eikinvegur	Oakpath	A hidden, winding trail
Skuggadvergur	Shadowdwarf	A dwarf skilled in stealth (if you believe it or not)
Silfurmark	Silvermark	A territory known for silver, mostly used for silver mines
Stálsmiður	Steelsmith	A master of forging steel
Skjaldvörður	Shieldguard	Protector of the clan
Hörundskjöldur	Hornedshield	A unique, horn-adorned shield
Eldrsteyptur	Fireforged	Crafted through fire and skill. Sometimes literally, sometimes metaphorical
Járngrjót	Ironrock	A rare and durable type of stone
Grjótvakt	Stonewatch	(org.) Guardians of the mountain paths, depending on the position. An old description, sometimes used as an honourable position
Klæðiskorn	Clothshoes	Footwear woven with expertise, in this case expensive footwear
Fjallmóðir	Mountainmother	A revered female leader
Móðir	Mother	The mother or your mother
Björgvefir	Mountainweaver	Skilled in crafting with fibers
Fjallrás	Mountainpass	A passage through the peaks
Málmkraftur	Metalcraft	Skill in working with metals. Not a specific metal like silver or gold, just in general.
Eikinnviður	Oakenvine	A strong, twisted plant
Skuggagriði	Shadowguard	Protectors of hidden secrets, be it literally or metaphorical like a dwarf knows another dwarfs secret
Silfurstafur	Silverstaff	A symbol of wisdom and authority, often used as a szepter
Stálsmiðja	Steelforge	A place of metalworking
Skjaldvaka	Shieldwake	Vigilant guardians of the clan
Hjartatunga	Heartsong	A melodic expression of the soul, which is basically a "shower song"
Eldrsviði	Firewood	Wood used in the flames
Grjótborð	Stonetable	A communal gathering place
Klæðisveigur	Clothswirl	A dance performed in fine garments
Björgskraut	Mountainherb	Medicinal plants of the peaks
Sjálfveiting	Self-sufficiency	Independence and resourcefulness, can be used for a hermit lifestyle
Fjallskáli	Mountainhut	A cozy dwelling high in the peaks
Málmskald	Metalsmith	Crafters of fine metalwork
Eikineldur	Oakfire	A source of warmth and comfort
Skuggalokkur	Shadowcloak	Cloak of invisibility. Not literally, a cloak with camouflage colours
Silfurruni	Silverwhisper	A mysterious message or prophecy
Sjálfkræftur	Self-strength	Ones inner strength and resilience
Járnbein	Ironbone	Metaphorical strength and resilience as in "He/she is a Járnbein"
Skjaldgrána	Shieldmaiden	Brave female warriors
Hjartafoss	Heartfall	A majestic waterfall inside the mountains
Járndrum	Ironrumble	The sound of forging iron, the sound of a lively smithy
Grjótsnert	Stoneflint	A spark-producing stone
Klæðiglæði	Clothjoy	Celebration of textile craftsmanship, a festivity from the clan to the crafters
Fjallhöf	Mountainhoof	Skilled mountain climbers, often used as scouts for materials or gems
Björgstígur	Mountainpath	Trails leading through rocky terrain
Fjallhjarta	Mountainheart	Beloved core of the mountains, not a single mountain
Málmbardur	Metalbard	Poet who praises metalwork
Eikinvekja	Oakawaken	To rouse from slumber (old word for dwarves after risen from a coma)
Skuggaþjóf	Shadowthief	Master of stealth and thievery
Silfurlind	Silverbranch	A symbol of peace and unity
Stálsviði	Steelwood	Resilient and durable wood
Skjaldvakt	Shieldwarden	Protector of clan and home
Hjartatunga	Heartstone	Precious gemstone of the heart. In this case it means that it is the favourite gemstone
Eldrskyn	Fireforge	The heart of a blacksmith's fire in his smithy
Járnblóm	Ironbloom	A rare and beautiful iron flower
Grjótauga	Stoneeye	Wise and observant
Klæðihjarta	Clothheart	A kind and compassionate nature
Fjallvegur	Mountainway	The path through the mountains
Björgflug	Mountainwings	Flying creatures of the peaks
Fjallskrælingar	Mountainfolk	The dwarven people in general, not one single dwarf as in dvergur
Málmdrottning	Metalqueen	Female leader of metallurgy, often used in a smithy as a rank or in a guild
Eikinruna	Oakrune	A sacred inscription
Skuggasnara	Shadowthread	A thread that binds in secrecy. More used as a trap, but sometimes used as in to keep a secret
Málmrún	Metalrune	"Málm" (metal) and rún (rune), the dwarvish way of casting magic
Vistkerfið	Inn, Tavern	A resting place
Svart(r)	Black, dark, Shadow	Used for Onyx, for shadows or to describe the night or the colour black, depending on context.
Móðir/ -móðir	Mother (of)	My mother, your mother, their mother, mother of..., Steelmother etc.
Faðir/ -faðir	Father (of)	My father, your father, their father, father of..., Steelfather etc.
-hraun-	Lava, molten rock	The name of the earths blood, the lava or molten rock. Can also be used as "Blood" like in a person, but more likely to be used for the molten rocks themselves.
Sopp / Sópp	Mushroom, fungi in general	Used to describe mushrooms or anything fungi-like. Not used for a specific mushroom like the Red Blinder.
-éir-	Copper	The material copper, but could also mean "weak" since copper is easy to forge
ríða	connection, connect, defeat	Depending on context, the connecting word ríða can be used in a fight or in marriage with the surnames of the married dwarves
giptin/giptinn	"married with/to"	This word is used to link together the surnames of partners/spouses, depending on if the dwarf in question is male (giptinn) or female (giptin)

Proverbs

Common

Stone

Oak

Metal

Gems

Dwarvish	Common
Hverfiðu mig.	Excuse me
Takk	Thank you
Verði þér að góðu.	You're welcome.
Góðan dag	Good day
Sjáumst síðar	See you later
Góða nótt	Good night
Hvað heitir þú?	What is your name?
Ég heiti...	My name is...
Hvar er...?	Where is...?
Ég skil ekki.	I don't understand.
Hjálpaðu mér (takk).	Help me (please).
Lítið út fyrir að skálda.	Looks like poetry (meant as a compliment).
Hugsanlega.	Perhaps or maybe.
Dvergar saman standa.	Dwarves stand together (proverb)
Fjölbreytileiki er styrkur.	Diversity is strength (proverb).
Eikin hrynur, en aldrei allan veginn.	The oak may fall, but never entirely.
Silfur og stál bera aldrei skömm.	Silver and steel never bear shame.
Hjartað hefur engin eyrnalok.	The heart has no keyholes.
Sjálfþekking er hæsta menning.	Self-awareness is the highest wisdom.

Dwarvish	Common
Grjótið hækkar aldrei í hálm.	The stone never grows in the grass.
Sterkt grjót brotnar aldrei.	Strong stones never break.
Fjallsteinninn gefur visku.	The mountain stone bestows wisdom.
Grjótið viti sitt brún.	The stone knows its slope.
Grjótinn hjartans er óbrugðinn.	The heart's stone is unchanging.
Grjótið gælir rás þinnar.	The stone guards your path.
Hjartasteinninn ljósaði leið þér.	(May) The heartstone lit your way.
Svart grjót, bjart skop.	Dark stone, bright hope.
Grjótinu verður aldrei gengið.	The stone is never left unturned.
Grjótinu er aldrei seitt.	The stone is never swayed.
Grjótið hræðist ekki tíma.	The stone fears no time.
Grjótinn er skáldið ársins, hver leiðist því.	The stone is the poem of the year; no one tires of it.

Dwarvish	Common
Eikin ljómi sterka.	The oak shines in strength.
Eikin standa eins og tré.	The oaks stands like the pillars of the earth.
Fjölbreytileiki eikarinnar er fráskilin.	The diversity of the oak is distinct.
Eikin heldur sögunni.	The oak carries the story.
Mjög eikarinn er styrkur okkar.	The might of the oak is our strength.

Dwarvish	Common
Gullið er sá eini svarinn.	Gold is the only answer.
Stálið eldist við gerningar.	Steel ages with deeds.
Gullið er sólin sem aldrei setur.	Gold is the sun that never sets.
Hvað er skapat í eldinum, bráðnar ekki.	What's forged in fire does not melt.
Silfur og stál skarti okkar borð.	Silver and steel adorn our table.
Málmskjöldurinn verður aldrei brotinn.	The metal shield is never broken.
Stálið skortir aldrei.	The steel never falters.
Hjartað birtist eins og silfur.	The heart shines like silver.
Silfurhringurinn bindur okkur saman.	The silver ring binds us together. (Marriage)
Málmsmiðurinn skapar sögurnar.	The metalsmith crafts the stories.
Eldrsilfur verður aldrei dáð.	Fire silver is never praised.
Gullið er eini svarinn.	The gold is the only answer.
Hvítur dvergasafir er í gulli.	A dwarf's delight is in gold.

Dwarvish	Common
Silfurperla er í mæli dvergas.	A silver pearl is in a dwarf's purse.
Safírinn hlýtur að finnast.	The sapphire must be found. (can be exchanged with every other gem)
Smaragdinn er fjallran grænn.	The emerald is the mountain's green.
Topasinn er trúr.	The topaz is faithful.
Ágætur safír er ómetan.	A good sapphire is invaluable. (Literally and metaphorical in regards to a person)
Kornblár safír hlýtur að vera.	A cornflower sapphire must be true in its form. (References to a specific form of a sapphire)

Phrases

Civilian Phrases

Royalty Phrases

Royal Festivity Phrases

Wedding Phrases

Funeral Phrases

Birthday Phrases

Dwarvish	Common
Halló, vinur!	Hello, friend!
Hvernig hefur þú verið?	How have you been?
Ágætt að sjá þig.	Nice to see you.
Hvar er næsta vistkerfið?	Where is the nearest inn?
Ég vilt fá að drepa þorpinu.	I'd like to order a drink.
Hér er kalt í kvöld.	It's cold tonight.
Hvar er staðsetningin? -	Where is the location?
Hjálpaðu mér með þetta.	Help me with this.
Takk fyrir hjálpina.	Thank you for your help.
Hvað kostar þetta?	How much does this cost?
Ég er svolítið tapur.	I'm a bit lost.
Hér er svo fallega.	It's so beautiful here. (literally more like "the stones/mountains are beautiful here")
Elskaðu þig fyrir þetta.	Love you for this.
Hvað er nýtt?	What's new?
Hvar er stefnuferlinu?	Where is the restroom?
Fyrirgefðu mig.	Excuse me.
Hvað er þetta?	What is this?
Má ég fá?	May I have?
Sjáumst síðar!	See you later!
Njóttu dagsins!	Enjoy your day!
Eldurinn birtist ekki án kolsins.	The fire doesn't ignite without the coal.

Dwarvish	Common
Dvergar, hlýddu mig!	Dwarves, attend me!
Velkominn til hallarinnar!	Welcome to the hall!
Hvað er næsta áskorun?	What is the next challenge?
Skapaði þið þetta fyrir mig?	Did you create this for me?
Mín skjöldur er óbrotinn.	My shield is unbroken.
Hjartað mitt er með ykkur.	My heart is with you all.
Hvaða fjölskylda er við þetta vörn?	What family stands with this defense?
Eikin veitti mér styrk.	The oak granted me strength.
Ég beri ábyrgð á því.	I take responsibility for it.
Dvergaleikurinn er hér með auglýstur.	The Dwarven Games are hereby declared open.
Hver er næsti arfingi?	Who is the next heir?
Silfur og stál glitra á okkru borði.	Silver and steel adorn our table.
Sjálfaldar veitingar í hásæti.	Selfless feasts at the high seat.
Málmskjöldurinn vakti okkur.	The metal shield protected us.
Stálstafurinn gaf visku.	The steel staff bestowed wisdom.
Hjartasteinninn birtist í gott ljósi.	The heartstone shines in good light.
Grjótaugan horfir í fjarlægð.	The stone eye gazes into the distance.
Eikinvefurinn tengir okkur.	The oak weaves us together.
Hamingjufjölbreytileiki okkar er vor styrkur.	Our diverse happiness is our strength.
Björgin hlýja hjörtum okkar.	The blessings warm our hearts.

Dwarvish	Common
Velkominn til konungsbrúðkaupa!	Welcome to the royal wedding!
Hvítt og gull skarti okkar höfum við.	White and gold adorn our halls.
Hér er fjölbreytileiki okkar styrkur.	Our diversity is our strength.
Konungurinn elskar þetta ríki.	The king loves this realm.
Borðið er búið, og skáldskapur skótar.	The table is set, and the poetry soars.
Hvaða örugg konungurinn ríkisfangstefja!	What a grand royal celebration!
Hjartasteinninn birtist ykkur.	The heartstone shines upon you.
Dvergaleikurinn hefur byrjað!	The Dwarven Games have begun!

Dwarvish	Common
Til hamingju með brúðkaupin!	Congratulations on your wedding / getting married!
Þér séu blessuð á veginum þínum.	May you be blessed on your journey.
Skapaði þið nýja framtíð saman.	You've created a new future together. / You are creating a new future together.
Borðið er búið, og heilsa heiminn.	The table is set, and the world is welcome.
Hamingjufylgd þína viði okkur.	Your happiness surrounds us.
Málmskiptin standa nú!	The exchange of metals is complete! (a tradition)
Ég gef þig mér, og þú gefur þig mér.	I give myself to you, and you give yourself to me.

Dwarvish	Common
Róa í friði.	Rest in peace.
Málmskjöldurinn fór í þaðan.	The metal shield has departed.
Fjallin ljúka þér.	The mountains embrace you.
Sjálfaldur er vegurinn heim.	The selfless path leads home.
Silfurhárinn sefur.	The silver hair sleeps.
Hjartað hefur staðið sína leið.	The heart has found its way.

Dwarvish	Common
Til hamingju með afmælið! -	"Happy birthday!" or more directly "We welcome you again in this world."
Fyri alla ár!	To many more years!
Njóttu dagsins þíns!	"Enjoy your day!" Mostly after other gratulations or phrases.
Fyrirgefðu þessi jólagjöf.	"Forgive these birthday gifts." It means nothing more than a small phrase not to be ashamed of it, because they are given freely and are not an indication of the non-existent wealth of the birthday-dwarf.
Skjaldið sé blítt á þér.	May the shield be strong upon you.
Hvaða skemmtileg afmælisgjöf!	"What a lovely birthday gift!" The most common polite response to a gift, wether it be likeable or not.
Minnistu þín dag eftir dag!	Cherish your day year after year.
Hver er nýr þinn þrettándi?	Who is your thirteenth guest? (a tradition)