Learn Hardcore Icelandic: Gatan er stutt.

gatan is the definite singular form of gata, which is a feminine noun meaning “street.” In Icelandic, definiteness is shown by adding a suffix: gata (“a street”) becomes gatan (“the street”) with the addition of -n.

Why is the adjective stutt not stuttur?

Adjectives in Icelandic agree with the gender, number, and case of the noun they modify. Stuttur is the masculine nominative singular form, while stutt is the feminine nominative singular form that matches the feminine noun gatan.

What is the function of er in this sentence?

Er is the 3rd-person singular present tense of the verb vera (“to be”). It serves as a copula linking the subject gatan (“the street”) to the predicate adjective stutt (“short”).

Why is there no article before stutt, like “the short”?

In Icelandic, predicate adjectives do not take a separate article. Definiteness is already indicated on the noun—in this case by the -n on gatan—so the adjective remains in its basic form without an article.

How would you say “a street is short” if you didn’t want to use the definite form?

You would say Gata er stutt. Here gata is the indefinite noun (“a street”), and the adjective stays stutt (feminine nominative singular).

How do you pronounce gatan er stutt?

Roughly [ˈkaːtan ɛr stʏt]. The g is pronounced like an English k, the a in gatan is long [aː], er is [ɛr], and the u in stutt is the short Icelandic u [ʏ]. The double tt indicates a geminated (held) t sound.

Why not use lítill instead of stuttur for “short”?

Lítill means “small” or “little,” describing general size. Stuttur specifically means “short” in terms of length or duration. When talking about the length of a street, you use stuttur, not lítill.