Learn Hardcore Icelandic: Veðrið breytist oft.

In Icelandic the definite article is a suffix, not a separate word. Veðr means “weather,” and attaching -ið (the neuter singular definite ending) gives Veðrið = “the weather.”

What case, number, and gender is Veðrið in?

It’s nominative (subject form), singular, neuter gender. Most neuter nouns add -ið in the definite nominative singular.

What does the -st ending on breytist indicate?

The -st marks the middle (sometimes called reflexive) voice of the verb breyta (“to change”). Breytist is the 3rd-person singular present of breytast (“it changes”).

Is breytist a regular verb form? How is it derived?

Yes. breyta is a regular (weak) verb. You form the present stem breyt-, then add the middle-voice suffix -st for 3rd-person singular:
• breyt- + -ist → breytist

Why is the verb in present tense here? Doesn’t it refer to past or future?

Like English, Icelandic uses the simple present for habitual or repeated actions. Veðrið breytist oft means “The weather changes often” (habitually), so the present tense is appropriate.

Why is oft placed after breytist instead of before it?

Icelandic main clauses follow V2 word order: the finite verb must be the second element. With Veðrið first, breytist comes next, and adverbs (like oft) usually follow the verb.

What’s the difference between oft and oftast?

• oft = “often” (frequently)
• oftast = “most often” or “usually”
So Veðrið breytist oftast would translate as “The weather usually changes.”

Could I say Veður breytist oft instead of Veðrið breytist oft?

Grammatically yes: Veður is the indefinite form “weather” in general. Using Veðrið (“the weather”) makes the statement more concrete—“the weather (we’re talking about) changes often.”

Can I replace oft with another adverb of frequency, like stundum?

Absolutely. stundum means “sometimes.”
• Veðrið breytist stundum = “The weather changes sometimes.”

How do you pronounce Veðrið breytist oft?

In IPA: [ˈvɛːðrɪð ˈpreɪtɪst ɔft]

ð is /ð/ as in English “this.”
ey in breytist sounds like English “ay” in “say.”