Við berum timbrið og frauðplastið meðan hann skoðar raftækið.

We carry the timber and the expanded polystyrene while he checks the electrical device.

Breakdown of Við berum timbrið og frauðplastið meðan hann skoðar raftækið.

• við: we
• hann: he
• og: and
• meðan: while

Questions & Answers about Við berum timbrið og frauðplastið meðan hann skoðar raftækið.

Why is it við berum and not við bera?

Because bera is the infinitive meaning to carry / to bear, while berum is the present-tense form used with við (we).

So:

• að bera = to carry
• við berum = we carry / we are carrying

This is the normal verb agreement pattern in Icelandic: the verb changes to match the subject.

Does the present tense here mean we carry or we are carrying?

It can mean either, depending on context.

Icelandic often uses the simple present where English would use either:

• we carry
• we are carrying

So Við berum timbrið... meðan hann skoðar... can naturally describe an action happening right now, even though English often prefers the progressive form are carrying / is examining.

Why do timbrið, frauðplastið, and raftækið end in -ið?