When plans change, you often need to explain why. To introduce a clause that gives the cause or reason for an action, you can use the subordinating conjunctions þar sem and fyrst (since / as).
Using "Þar sem"
The conjunction þar sem translates to "since" or "as." When it connects two clauses in the middle of a sentence, both halves use standard subject-verb word order.
| The schedule is full since we have a meeting. | Dagskráin er full þar sem við eigum fund. |
| We need to cancel his meeting since he is absent. | Við þurfum að aflýsa fundinum hans þar sem hann er fjarverandi. |
If the þar sem clause comes first, the main clause that follows must start with a verb, keeping the verb in the second logical position (the V2 rule).
| Since the illness is serious, she is staying at home. | Þar sem veikindin eru alvarleg, er hún heima. |
| Since the traffic jam is heavy, we will arrive late. | Þar sem umferðarteppan er mikil, komum við seint. |
Using "Fyrst"
The conjunction fyrst also translates to "since" or "as." While þar sem simply states a cause, fyrst often carries the nuance of drawing a logical conclusion from an established fact (similar to saying "since that is the case").
It follows the exact same word order rules. When the fyrst clause begins the sentence, the main clause that follows must start with its verb to satisfy the V2 rule.
| Since the teacher is absent, the kids are outside. | Fyrst kennarinn er fjarverandi, eru krakkarnir úti. |
| Since you are free, can you help me? | Fyrst þú ert laus, getur þú hjálpað mér? |
| Since there are cancellations, the table is available. | Fyrst það eru forföll, er borðið laust. |