Við kaupum nokkra penna fyrir bekkinn.

We buy several pens for the class.

Breakdown of Við kaupum nokkra penna fyrir bekkinn.

• við: we
• kaupa: to buy
• penni: the pen
• nokkur: several
• fyrir: for

Questions & Answers about Við kaupum nokkra penna fyrir bekkinn.

What does við mean in this sentence?

Við translates as "we" and functions as the subject of the sentence.

Why is kaupum used, and what information does it convey?

Kaupum is the first-person plural present tense form of kaupa (to buy). It tells us that we (við) are performing the action of buying, meaning "we buy" or "we are buying."

Why is the form nokkra used before penna?

The word nokkra is the accusative plural form of the adjective meaning "some" or "a few." In Icelandic, adjectives agree with the noun they modify in gender, number, and case. Since penna is a masculine noun in the accusative plural, nokkra is the appropriate form.

What case is penna in, and why isn’t there an article before it?

Penna is in the accusative plural, serving as the direct object of the verb. When a quantitative word like nokkra (indicating “a few” or “some”) is used, Icelandic typically does not require a separate article before the noun.

Why does bekkinn have the ending -inn?

Bekkur (meaning "class") turns into bekkinn in the definite, accusative singular form. The -inn ending is a definite article suffix, indicating "the class."

What function does the preposition fyrir serve in this sentence?

Fyrir means "for" and introduces the beneficiary or purpose of the action. Here, it shows that the pens are being bought for the class (bekkinn).