…
Questions & Answers about Bróðirinn er sterkur.
Why does bróðirinn end with -inn instead of using a separate word like “the”?
In Icelandic the definite article is suffixed to the noun rather than being a separate word. For masculine nouns in the nominative singular you add -inn.
- bróðir = “brother” (indefinite)
- bróðirinn = “the brother” (definite)
Why is the adjective sterkur not sterkurinn when it follows er?
Adjectives used predicatively (i.e. after a form of vera “to be”) stay in their base (indefinite) form but still agree in gender, number, and case. They never take the definite suffix. Hence:
- Bróðirinn er sterkur. “The brother is strong.”
What gender, number, and case are bróðirinn and sterkur in this sentence?
Both are masculine nominative singular.
- Bróðirinn (subject of the verb) → masc. nom. sg.
- sterkur (predicative adjective) → masc. nom. sg., agreeing with the noun
How would you say “The sister is strong” in Icelandic?
Use the feminine forms:
- systir = “sister” (fem.)
- Definite suffix for fem. nom. sg. is -in, and the fem. adj. ending is -k.
So: Systirin er sterk.
How do you make the sentence negative (“The brother is not strong”)?
Insert ekki (“not”) immediately after the verb:
Bróðirinn er ekki sterkur.
How do you form the question “Is the brother strong?”
Invert the verb and the subject:
Er bróðirinn sterkur?
How do you pronounce Bróðirinn er sterkur?
Approximate English respelling:
- Bróðirinn = “BROH-thir-in”
• ó = long “o” (like “go”), ð = soft “th” as in “this”, double nn slightly lengthened - er = “air” (like English “air”)
- sterkur = “STEHR-kur”
• e = “e” in “met”, u ≈ German “ü” (or “u” in “push”), stress on first syllable
More from this lesson
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Icelandic grammar?”
Icelandic grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.
Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor
Start learning IcelandicMaster Icelandic — from Bróðirinn er sterkur to fluency
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.
- ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
- ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
- ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
- ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions