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Questions & Answers about Skjalið er á skrifstofunni.
What does the ending -ið in Skjalið do?
It’s the suffixed definite article for neuter singular in the nominative.
- Base noun: skjal (a document, neuter).
- Definite form: skjalið (the document).
Icelandic typically marks definiteness by adding a suffix rather than a separate word for the.
Why does skrifstofunni end with -unni?
Because it’s dative singular definite of a feminine noun.
- Base noun: skrifstofa (an office, feminine).
- Dative singular (indefinite): skrifstofu.
- Dative singular (definite): skrifstofunni.
The preposition á uses the dative for a stationary location, so the noun must be in dative, and the definite article is suffixed as -inni (spelled here as -unni because of the preceding vowel).
Why does á take the dative here and not the accusative?
With many Icelandic prepositions (including á), case depends on meaning:
- Dative = location/state: Ég er á skrifstofunni (I am at the office).
- Accusative = motion/into: Ég fer á skrifstofuna (I go to the office).
Could I use í instead of á here?
Sometimes, but there’s a nuance:
- á skrifstofunni usually means at the office (as a workplace/institution).
- í skrifstofunni emphasizes being inside the office room.
Both can be correct depending on what you mean.
What cases appear in the sentence?
- Skjalið is nominative (it’s the subject).
- á skrifstofunni is dative (governed by á for location).
- er is just the verb and doesn’t assign case to the subject.
What is the verb er?
It’s the 3rd person singular present of vera (to be).
- Singular: ég er, þú ert, hann/hún/það er
- Plural: við erum, þið eruð, þeir/þær/þau eru
Is the word order normal? Can I front the place phrase?
Yes. Icelandic main clauses are V2 (verb in second position).
- Neutral: Skjalið er á skrifstofunni.
- With place fronted for emphasis or context: Á skrifstofunni er skjalið.
Both are grammatical; the second highlights the location.
How would I ask Where is the document?
Hvar er skjalið?
How does the sentence change in the plural?
- Skjölin eru á skrifstofunni.
Changes: - skjal → skjölin (neuter plural definite; note the vowel change).
- er → eru (plural of to be).
Can I say a document is at an office (indefinite)?
Yes: Skjal er á skrifstofu.
- Skjal (a document, indefinite)
- á skrifstofu (at an office, indefinite dative)
Using definites (skjalið, skrifstofunni) implies specific, known entities.
Does á mean on, at, or in?
All three are possible, depending on context:
- on (a surface): á borðinu (on the table)
- at (institution/place): á skrifstofunni (at the office)
- in (certain set phrases/regions): context-dependent
Always check whether you mean surface contact, a general location, or inside a space; sometimes í is better for inside.
How would I say The document is on the desk?
Skjalið er á skrifborðinu.
- á
- dative for location on a surface
- skrifborð (desk, neuter) → skrifborðinu (dative singular definite)
Any quick pronunciation tips for this sentence?
- ð in skjalið is like the soft th in this (often very light at word-end).
- j sounds like English y (so skj is like sky- plus a palatal y glide).
- á is like the ow in cow.
- Stress is on the first syllable of each word: SKJA-lið ER á SKRIF-sto-funni.
Why not use a separate word for the like in English?
Icelandic normally attaches the definite article as a suffix to the noun (and to adjectives when present). A separate word hinn exists but is rare and stylistically marked; the everyday way is suffixing, as in skjalið, skrifstofunni.