The Conjunction "annars"
In an escape room, the stakes are high. To explain the consequences of failing to do something, use the adverbial conjunction annars (otherwise / or else) to connect two main clauses.
Because annars acts as an adverb at the very beginning of the second clause, it triggers Icelandic's V2 (verb-second) rule. The verb must immediately follow annars, and the subject comes directly after the verb.
Look closely at how the verb and subject swap places immediately after annars:
| We have to find the clue, otherwise we lose the game. | Við verðum að finna vísbendinguna, annars töpum við leiknum. |
| You must enter the code, otherwise the door stays closed. | Þú verður að slá inn kóðann, annars er hurðin lokuð. |
Commands and Consequences
When the clock is ticking, you will often need to give direct instructions. A very common pattern is to pair an imperative (a command) with annars to express urgency.
| Read the clue that is on the table, otherwise we will not find the key. | Lestu vísbendinguna sem er á borðinu, annars finnum við ekki lykilinn. |
| Click on the button now, otherwise the bell rings. | Smelltu á takkann núna, annars hringir bjallan. |
Beating the Clock
Escape rooms are all about time limits. A crucial verb phrase for these high-pressure situations is drífa sig (to hurry / to get a move on).
| to hurry (to get going, to get a move on) | drífa sig |
Combine this with annars, and you can easily express the dire consequences of running out of time!
| Hurry up, otherwise the time is up! | Drífðu þig, annars er tíminn búinn! |
| We must hurry, otherwise the bomb explodes! | Við verðum að drífa okkur, annars springur sprengjan! |