Við göngum áfram, jafnvel þótt stígurinn sé blautur.

We keep walking, even if the path is wet.

Breakdown of Við göngum áfram, jafnvel þótt stígurinn sé blautur.

• vera: to be
• við: we
• ganga: to walk
• blautur: wet

Questions & Answers about Við göngum áfram, jafnvel þótt stígurinn sé blautur.

Why is the verb sé used here instead of er?

Because jafnvel þótt introduces a concessive clause, meaning something like even though / although. After þótt, Icelandic very often uses the subjunctive mood.

• sé = subjunctive form of að vera (to be)
• er = indicative form of að vera

So:

• stígurinn er blautur = the path is wet
• jafnvel þótt stígurinn sé blautur = even though the path is wet

For learners, the key pattern to remember is:

• þótt + subjunctive is very common

In everyday speech, you may sometimes hear indicative forms in some contexts, but sé is the standard and expected form here.

What exactly does jafnvel þótt mean?

Jafnvel þótt means even though or even if, depending on context.

It is made up of:

• jafnvel = even
• þótt = though / although

Together they strengthen the contrast:

• þótt = although
• jafnvel þótt = even though

So the phrase signals: this fact does not stop the action in the main clause.