Learn Hardcore Icelandic: Hann fer ekki núna.

In Icelandic, word order in a simple statement usually follows a Subject–Verb–Object/Complement structure. When forming a negative sentence, ekki normally follows immediately after the conjugated verb. That’s why we say Hann fer ekki rather than Hann ekki fer.

Is núna always placed at the end of the sentence?

The adverb núna (meaning now) often appears at the end of a sentence, but it can sometimes move around for emphasis. However, in typical, neutral word order, you’ll see Hann fer ekki núna or Hann fer núna ekki, but the second version places extra stress on the timing (now, rather than the negation). The most natural, neutral form is usually at the end.

What tense is fer in?

Fer is the present tense of the verb að fara (meaning to go). In Icelandic, að fara has the irregular present tense forms:
• ég fer
• þú ferð
• hann/hún/það fer

How do I pronounce Hann fer ekki núna?

Roughly, you can think of it like:
• Hann – "ha(n)" (the 'nn' can sound like a short 'n' with a slight nasal quality)
• fer – "fehr" (the 'r' is lightly rolled)
• ekki – "eh-ki" (the 'kk' is a hard, unvoiced sound)
• núna – "noo-nah" (the 'ú' is like "oo" in "mood")

Is there a difference between Hann fer ekki núna and Hann kemur ekki núna?

Yes. Hann fer ekki núna means He is not going now, while Hann kemur ekki núna means He is not coming now. Að fara and að koma are opposite actions (to go vs. to come).