Learn Hardcore Icelandic: Sestu hér, kaffi er tilbúið.

The sentence is divided into two parts. The first part, "Sestu hér," is a direct command meaning "Sit here", while the second part, "kaffi er tilbúið," is a statement meaning "coffee is ready." The comma acts as a separator between the command and the statement.

What does the form "sestu" mean and how is it formed?

"Sestu" is the imperative form of the verb that means "to sit" or "to take a seat." In Icelandic, when giving a direct command to a single person, the verb is often adjusted with an ending (in this case, -u) that indicates a second-person singular imperative. This is a standard conjugation pattern in Icelandic for issuing commands.

How does adjective agreement work in the clause "kaffi er tilbúið"?

In Icelandic, adjectives must agree with the noun they describe in gender, number, and case. The noun "kaffi" is neuter singular, so the adjective "tilbúið" also takes the neuter singular form. This agreement ensures that the adjective correctly matches the noun, much like how adjectives in some other languages change endings to reflect the noun’s properties.

Why is there a comma after "Sestu hér" in the sentence?

The comma is used to separate two distinct parts of the sentence: a command and an informational statement. Just as in English where a pause can help clarify meaning, the comma in Icelandic serves to clearly demarcate the directive "Sit here" from the subsequent statement "coffee is ready."

Are there any pronunciation points that might be challenging in this sentence?

Yes. For example, the accented vowel in "tilbúið" (the ú) is pronounced as a long vowel, somewhat similar to the "oo" in "moon." While the sentence’s basic vocabulary is straightforward, paying attention to these vowel sounds—and the general rhythm and intonation of Icelandic—will help in pronouncing the words correctly.

Can the sentence be rearranged, or are there alternative ways to express the same idea in Icelandic?

While "Sestu hér, kaffi er tilbúið" is common and natural, Icelandic—as with any language—allows for some flexibility in expression. For instance, one might say "Kaffi er tilbúið, svo sættu hér" (literally, "Coffee is ready, so sit here") to emphasize the sequence of events. However, the original ordering is concise and typical in everyday conversation.