Absolute superlatives (sem)

To express doing something "as [adverb/adjective] as possible," Icelandic uses the word sem directly followed by a superlative.

as ... as possible (with superlative)
sem

Common absolute superlatives

While sem can mean "as" or "like" in comparisons, placing it directly in front of a superlative creates this "as ... as possible" meaning.

  • sem hraðast = as fast as possible
  • sem best = as well as possible
It is important to deep-fry the bacon as fast as possible.
Það er mikilvægt að djúpsteikja beikonið sem hraðast.
It is important to grill the sandwich as well as possible so that it gets very crispy.
Það er mikilvægt að grilla samlokuna sem best til þess að hún verði mjög stökk.
I read your order ticket because I want to make the sandwich as fast as possible.
Ég les pöntunarmiðann þinn af því að ég vil gera samlokuna sem hraðast.

This structure works with other common adverbs, including fyrst (first/soonest), mest (most), and minnst (least).

  • sem fyrst = as soon as possible
  • sem mest = as much as possible
  • sem minnst = as little as possible
The chef stands by the warming box so that the waiter gets the food as soon as possible.
Kokkurinn stendur við hitakassann til þess að þjónninn fái matinn sem fyrst.
I open the walk-in fridge as little as possible so that the food is cold.
Ég opna kæliklefann sem minnst til þess að maturinn sé kaldur.
I need to find the order ticket and the spatula as soon as possible.
Ég þarf að finna pöntunarmiðann og steikarspaðann sem fyrst.
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