Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Icelandic grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Ég fer með vin.
Why do we say Ég fer and not Ég fara?
In Icelandic, fara is the infinitive form of the verb meaning to go. The correct present tense form for the first-person singular (ég = I) is ég fer. Each pronoun in Icelandic often has its own verb form in the present tense.
Is there a specific reason we use the preposition með here?
Yes. Með generally means with, and it usually takes a noun in the accusative case. In this sentence, vin is the object, so we say með vin to express going with a friend.
Why is it just vin and not vini or vinar?
The word vin is in the accusative singular. Vin is the accusative form of vinur (friend). If you used vini, that would be the dative form. Vinar would be the genitive form, which isn’t needed with the preposition með in this context.
Does Icelandic have a separate indefinite article for “a friend”?
No. Modern Icelandic doesn’t use separate words for the indefinite article (like a in English). Instead, vinur on its own can be understood as a friend. Hence, vin in the accusative is a friend in this sentence.