Structuring Your Points
To list points or instructions clearly, combine the preposition í (in) with a neuter dative ordinal number and the noun lagi (layer/position).
To say "firstly" or "in the first place", use í fyrsta lagi. For "secondly", use the neuter dative form of the second ordinal to create í öðru lagi.
| Firstly, we are going to put the chest of drawers together. | Í fyrsta lagi ætlum við að setja kommóðuna saman. |
| Secondly, we sort the pieces before the assembly starts. | Í öðru lagi flokkum við hlutina áður en samsetningin byrjar. |
Numbering Your Steps
When following assembly instructions (samsetningin), you can use the exact same grammar structure, swapping out lagi for skrefi (step, also a neuter dative noun).
Notice how the dative ordinals þriðja (third) and fjórða (fourth) fit this pattern:
| In the third step, you put the pegs into the holes. | Í þriðja skrefi setur þú tappana í götin. |
| In the fourth step, you attach the hinges to the door. | Í fjórða skrefi festir þú hjarirnar á hurðina. |
Putting the Pieces Together
Once your numbered steps are established, you can link additional actions using time adverbs like síðan (then) to keep the process flowing. Pay attention to which way you turn the screws—rangsælis means counter-clockwise!
| Then we screw the boards together with the Allen key. | Síðan skrúfum við fjalirnar saman með sexkantinum. |
| You must not screw counter-clockwise with the Allen key. | Þú mátt ekki skrúfa rangsælis með sexkantinum. |