Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Icelandic grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Hann er bestur.
Why is er used here, and what does it represent?
er is the 3rd-person singular present indicative of the irregular verb vera (to be). It functions as the copula linking the subject hann (he) to the predicate adjective bestur (best).
Why is bestur spelled like that, and what is its grammatical role?
bestur is the strong superlative form of the adjective góður (good), inflected in the masculine nominative singular. As a predicate adjective it expresses “best.”
Which case does bestur take after vera, and why?
When an adjective stands after vera, it remains in the nominative case to agree with the subject. Hence bestur is nominative masculine singular to match hann.
Why is there no definite article before bestur, unlike English the best?
In Icelandic, predicative adjectives appear in their strong form, which carries definiteness through its ending. English requires the, but Icelandic conveys “the” via strong declension rather than a separate article.
Can I say Hann er sá besti? What difference does that make?
Yes. sá besti is the weak superlative form, where sá acts like a definite article (“the one who…”). It literally means “he is the one who is best,” adding emphasis or a slightly more formal tone.
How do I form the comparative and superlative of góður?
góður is irregular. The three degrees are:
- positive: góður
- comparative: betri
- superlative: bestur
When you decline the strong superlative bestur, the nominative forms are:
- masculine sg: bestur
- feminine sg: besta
- neuter sg: best
- plural: bestu
How would I say “She is the best” or “It is the best” in Icelandic?
Adjust bestur to agree in gender:
- feminine: Hún er besta (she is the best)
- neuter: Það er best (it is the best)