Objective Predicative Agreement
When verbs like álíta (to consider), telja (to believe/consider), or gera (to make) are used to describe a direct object, the describing adjective must match that object in gender, number, and case.
Since direct objects are typically in the accusative case, the adjective takes the accusative form as well.
Here are the standard accusative singular endings for adjectives:
| Gender | Accusative Ending | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine | -an | fágaður (nom) → fágaðan (acc) |
| Feminine | -a | skemmtileg (nom) → skemmtilega (acc) |
| Neuter | -t | mikilvægt (nom) → mikilvægt (acc) |
Neuter Objects
If the object is neuter, like skapið (the temperament), the adjective takes the neuter accusative form (which is identical to the neuter nominative).
| I consider the temperament important. | Ég álít skapið mikilvægt. |
Feminine Objects
For feminine objects like hundasýningin (the dog show) or hreyfingin (the movement), the accusative adjective typically ends in -a. Notice how both the noun and the adjective change to the accusative case.
| Good weather makes the dog show fun. | Gott veður gerir hundasýninguna skemmtilega. |
| I consider this movement noble. | Ég tel þessa hreyfingu göfuga. |
Masculine Objects
When the object is masculine, such as feldurinn (the coat), the accusative adjective typically takes the -an ending.
| The judge considers the coat very refined. | Dómarinn álítur feldinn mjög fágaðan. |