…
Questions & Answers about Ef flugvélin seinkar, þá bíðum við rólega.
What does ef mean and how is it used in this sentence?
ef is a conjunction meaning if. It introduces a conditional subordinate clause. In Icelandic subordinate clauses, the finite verb typically comes at the end, as you see in Ef flugvélin seinkar.
Why is þá used after the comma? Could it be omitted?
þá literally means then and marks the start of the main clause in a conditional sentence. It adds clarity and cadence. You can omit it—Ef flugvélin seinkar, bíðum við rólega is still correct—but including þá is more natural for many speakers.
Why is the verb bíðum placed before the subject pronoun við?
Icelandic follows the V2 (verb-second) rule in main clauses. Because þá occupies the first position, the finite verb bíðum must come second, so it precedes the subject við.
What case is flugvélin in and why?
flugvélin is in the nominative case because it functions as the subject of the subordinate clause Ef flugvélin seinkar.
What does seinkar mean and what verb form is it?
seinkar is the present tense third person singular form of seinka when used intransitively. Here it means is delayed or delays.
What kind of word is rólega and how is it formed?
rólega is an adverb formed from the adjective rólegur (calm) by adding the suffix -lega. It means calmly or unhurriedly.
Why is there a comma before þá?
In Icelandic, a comma separates a subordinate clause (here introduced by ef) from the main clause. The comma goes before þá because that word begins the main clause.
Could we drop the pronoun við in bíðum við rólega?
Yes. Icelandic often omits subject pronouns when they’re clear from the verb ending. Ef flugvélin seinkar, þá bíðum rólega is perfectly acceptable and perhaps even more idiomatic.
How would you render bíðum við rólega more literally in English?
A literal translation is we wait calmly or we calmly wait. The emphasis is on how we wait, not when.
Is there a difference between seinka flugvélinni (transitive) and flugvélin seinkar (intransitive)?
Yes. seinka flugvélinni would be transitive (“to delay the airplane”), taking the object in dative (flugvélinni). In flugvélin seinkar, the verb is intransitive, so the plane itself is delaying and stays in the nominative.
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 Ef flugvélin seinkar, þá bíðum við rólega 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