…
Questions & Answers about Þú ert hér.
Why is Þú used here instead of other pronouns?
Þú is the singular second-person pronoun in Icelandic, meaning you (singular). It addresses just one person. If you wanted to address multiple people, you would use þið.
What does ert mean and how do I conjugate the verb vera?
Ert is the second-person singular present tense form of the verb vera (to be). The conjugation of vera in the present tense goes like this:
• Ég er (I am)
• Þú ert (You are, singular)
• Hann/Hún/Það er (He/She/It is)
• Við erum (We are)
• Þið eruð (You are, plural)
• Þeir/Þær/Þau eru (They are)
Can hér mean both here in a location sense and also right now in a time sense?
No, hér generally refers to a physical location (meaning here). It does not carry a timing or temporal nuance like now. For a sense of now, you could use words like núna or nú.
Is there a difference in pronunciation between the letters ð and þ?
Yes. ð (called eð) is pronounced like the soft th in this, while þ (called thorn) is pronounced like the soft th in thing. In the word Þú, you use the þ sound.
Could I say Þú ert hérna instead of Þú ert hér?
Yes, hérna also means here, but it is a more colloquial or informal way of emphasizing proximity. Þú ert hér is perfectly correct and neutral, and Þú ert hérna sounds slightly more conversational.
More from this lesson
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Icelandic grammar?”
Icelandic grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.
Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor
Start learning IcelandicMaster Icelandic — from Þú ert hér to fluency
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.
- ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
- ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
- ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
- ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions