Negating Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses often begin with conjunctions like að (that) or ef (if).
Unlike English, which uses helper verbs to negate a clause (like "does not come"), Icelandic simply places ekki (not) after the conjugated verb.
The word order is straightforward: Conjunction + Subject + Verb + ekki.
| I know that the delay is not long. | Ég veit að seinkunin er ekki löng. |
| Can we change the plan if he does not come? | Getum við breytt planinu ef hann kemur ekki? |
Making Excuses
To give a reason for a cancellation or delay, you will frequently use the phrase af því að (because).
This is extremely useful when explaining why you must fresta (postpone) an event or apologize for a disruption. Just like with other conjunctions, ekki stays right after the verb.
| I am postponing the interview because I am not at home. | Ég fresta viðtalinu af því að ég er ekki heima. |
| Sorry, I am not showing up because the flight is not coming. | Fyrirgefðu, ég mæti ekki af því að flugið kemur ekki. |
Negation with Objects
When the subordinate clause includes a direct object, ekki stays firmly anchored directly after the verb, coming right before the object.
Conjunction + Subject + Verb + ekki + Object
| The customer asks why we do not cancel the meeting. | Viðskiptavinurinn spyr af hverju við afbókum ekki fundinn. |
| The customer will be angry if we do not change the plan. | Viðskiptavinurinn verður reiður ef við breytum ekki planinu. |