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Questions & Answers about Vinurinn er þar.
Why does the Icelandic sentence use vinurinn instead of vinur?
Vinurinn is the definite form of vinur. In Icelandic, you often form the definite article by attaching it to the end of the noun. So vinur (friend) becomes vinurinn (the friend).
How do I pronounce vinurinn?
It’s generally pronounced something like VEE-nu-rin ([ˈvɪːnʏrɪn]). The stress is on the first syllable. The double n at the end is distinctly pronounced but briefly.
Is er exactly the same as is in English?
The Icelandic verb er comes from vera (to be), just like English has to be. Er is used as the present tense form for singular subjects (He is/She is/It is → Hann er/Hún er/Það er), so it generally behaves just like is in English in these contexts.
What does þar mean, and how is it used in Icelandic?
Þar literally means there. It indicates a location away from the speaker, similar to there in English. Icelandic also has þarna, which can sometimes be used similarly to there, but often implies a more specific location you can point to.