Learn Hardcore Icelandic: Takkinn á útvarpinu er bilaður.

In Icelandic the definite article is suffixed to the noun. takki means “a knob/button,” and adding -inn (“the”) gives takkinn, “the knob/button.”

What case is útvarpinu and why is it used here?

útvarpinu is the dative singular of útvarp (radio). The preposition á when expressing a location (on something) governs the dative case, so “on the radio” becomes á útvarpinu.

Why not útvarpið instead of útvarpinu?

útvarpið is the nominative or accusative singular definite form. Since á here indicates a static position (“on”), grammar rules require the dative, not the nominative/accusative.

What does bilaður represent in this sentence?

bilaður is the past participle of the verb bila (“to break down”) used as an adjective meaning “broken.” It describes the state of takkinn.

Why is the verb er used instead of simply using bila?

Because bilaður is functioning as an adjective, we need a linking verb. vera (“to be”) in present tense is er, so takkinn … er bilaður means “the knob … is broken.”

How does bilaður agree with takkinn?

Adjectives in Icelandic agree with their nouns in gender, number, and case. takkinn is masculine singular nominative, so bilaður takes the masculine singular nominative ending -ður.

Could you say takkinn á útvarpinu hefur bilað (“the button on the radio has broken”) instead?

It’s grammatically possible but sounds unusual. Icelandic speakers prefer vera + past participle (er bilaður) to express “is broken.” Using hefur bilað focuses on the action rather than the resulting state.

Why doesn’t Icelandic use a possessive genitive like útvarpsins takki for “the radio’s button”?

For parts of objects, Icelandic normally uses a prepositional phrase (takkinn á útvarpinu) rather than a genitive construction. A genitive form like útvarpsins takki is technically correct but uncommon in everyday speech.