Learn Hardcore Turkish: Köprü sağlam.

In Turkish, the copula –(y)dır/–dir/–tir (equivalent to is/are) is usually dropped in simple present‐tense statements. So Köprü sağlam literally means (The) bridge is sturdy, with the “is” understood rather than spoken.

How would I ask “Is the bridge sturdy?” in Turkish?

You insert the question particle mı/mi/mu/mü right after the adjective, matching its vowel harmony. Since sağlam has an a vowel, you use mı:
• Köprü sağlam mı? = “Is the bridge sturdy?”

How do I negate this sentence to say “The bridge is not sturdy”?

You add the negator değil after the adjective (no extra case ending needed):
• Köprü sağlam değil. = “The bridge is not sturdy.”

When would I ever use the full copula –dır instead of omitting it?

You might add –dır (often as sağlamdır)
• to sound more formal or written,
• to indicate certainty or a general fact,
• or when giving definitions.
Example: Köprü sağlamdır. reads like “The bridge is sturdy (as a general fact).”

If I want to describe “a sturdy bridge” instead of saying “the bridge is sturdy,” how do I position the words?