Learn Hardcore Icelandic: Kennarinn biður um svarið.

-inn is the definite article suffix for masculine nouns in the nominative singular. The basic word kennari means “teacher,” and adding -inn makes it “the teacher.”

What case is svarið, and why is it svarið instead of svar?

Svar is a neuter noun whose nominative and accusative singular look the same. To make it definite you add -ið, yielding svarið (“the answer”). Here svarið is in the accusative case because it’s the object of the preposition um.

Why is the preposition um used after biður, and what case does it govern?

The Icelandic verb biðja (“to ask/request”) typically takes the structure biðja einhvern um eitthvað (“ask someone for something”). The preposition um marks the thing being asked for and requires the accusative case.

What’s the difference between biðja um and spyrja when “asking” something?

Biðja um means “to ask for” or “request” something (e.g. biðja um pening – “ask for money”). Spyrja means “to ask a question,” i.e. “inquire,” and takes a direct object without um (e.g. spyrja spurningar – “ask questions”).