Questions & Answers about Hún undirbýr sig fyrir prófið í kvöld.
Why does the verb use the reflexive pronoun sig here?
Because undirbúa sig means “to prepare oneself.” The reflexive sig refers back to the subject (hún). Without sig, undirbúa would need some other direct object (e.g., “prepare the test” = undirbúa prófið).
- Correct: Hún undirbýr sig … (She prepares herself …)
- Different meaning: Hún undirbýr prófið … (She prepares the test …, e.g., a teacher)
Why can’t I use hana instead of sig?
Hana is the non-reflexive 3rd-person feminine accusative pronoun and refers to another woman, not the subject. To refer back to the subject, Icelandic requires the reflexive set (sig/sér/sín). So:
- Hún undirbýr hana = She prepares her (someone else).
- Hún undirbýr sig = She prepares herself.
What case is sig, and what are the other reflexive forms?
Sig is accusative. The reflexive pronouns (3rd person, all genders, singular and plural) are:
- Accusative: sig
- Dative: sér
- Genitive: sín
Which one you use depends on the verb or preposition’s case requirements. Here, undirbúa sig takes accusative.