Learn Hardcore Icelandic: Hvar er lykilinn?

Icelandic main clauses follow a verb-second (V2) word order. When you start a question with an interrogative word like Hvar, the finite verb er (“is”) must come right after it, followed by the subject.

What does the suffix -inn in lykillinn indicate?

In Icelandic, the definite article is attached as a suffix to the noun. Here lykill means key, and -inn is the masculine singular definite article. So lykillinn literally means the key.

What grammatical case is lykillinn in, and why?

Lykillinn is in the nominative singular case because it functions as the subject of the verb er. The nominative form of lykill plus the definite suffix -inn gives you lykillinn.

Could I say Hvar er lykill instead, and what would that mean?

Yes. Without the suffix -inn, lykill is indefinite. Hvar er lykill would literally mean Where is a key? In practice, though, Icelanders usually ask about a specific key they have in mind, so they prefer the definite lykillinn.

How do I pronounce Hvar er lykilinn?

Approximate pronunciation in IPA:
Hvar [kʰvaːr] – like kvar with an aspirated k
er [ɛr] – like English “air” but shorter
lykilinn [ˈlɪːt̥ɪlɪn] – y as in English “see” (but longer), ll as a voiceless lateral [t̥l], and inn with a long n

Rough English‐style: “KHVAHR air LEE-t-hil-lin.”

What’s the dictionary form of lykillinn, and how would I look it up?

Drop the definite suffix -inn. The dictionary (lemma) form is lykill (masculine noun). Look up lykill, and you’ll find its gender, declension, meaning, etc.

What’s the difference between hvar, hvert, and hvað?

hvar = where, asks about location.
hvert = to where (direction) or which (one) with neuter nouns in some contexts.
hvað = what, asks about things or actions.