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Questions & Answers about Bíllinn er stór.
Why does the word bíll become bíllinn in this sentence?
In Icelandic, the definite article is typically added to the end of the noun. So bíll (car) becomes bíllinn (the car). This process is called the definite suffix.
How is bíllinn pronounced?
It’s pronounced somewhat like “beet-lin” (with a short “ee” sound). The double l in Icelandic can have a soft, breathy “tl” quality, but most learners can approximate it by saying “bill” with a slight pause before the final n.
What does er mean in this sentence?
Er is the present tense form of the verb vera, which means to be. It’s equivalent to the English verb is in the car is big.
Why do we use stór here, and can it change form?
Stór is an adjective meaning big. In Icelandic, adjectives can change form depending on the gender, number, and case of the noun they describe. For now, in the nominative singular masculine form (as in bíllinn er stór), stór stays as it is.