Describing Physical Dimensions
To describe exact dimensions in Icelandic, such as how long, wide, or thick something is, you use a measurement followed by the preposition á and the relevant dimension noun in the accusative case:
[Measurement] + á + [Dimension noun (accusative)]
The three most common dimension nouns you will use are:
- lengd (length)
- breidd (width)
- þykkt (thickness)
Conveniently, these are all feminine nouns that look exactly the same in the accusative case as they do in their dictionary form (nominative).
| Tailor this skirt exactly eighty centimeters in length. | Sníddu þetta pils nákvæmlega áttatíu sentímetra á lengd. |
| The collar is exactly three centimeters in width. | Kraginn er nákvæmlega þrjá sentímetra á breidd. |
Asking and Stating Measurements
When discussing tailoring (að sníða) or buying materials, you can ask for dimensions by combining hvað (how/what) with the measurement units. Notice how the prepositional phrase á lengd (in length) or á breidd (in width) always anchors the measurement at the end of the clause.
| How many centimeters in length is your coat? | Hvað er kápan þín marga sentímetra á lengd? |
| Yesterday we sewed a zipper that is ten centimeters in length. | Í gær saumuðum við rennilás sem er tíu sentímetra á lengd. |
| The button is two centimeters in width. | Hnappurinn er tveir sentímetrar á breidd. |
Thickness and Heavy Materials
When working with heavy fabrics like leather, or hardware like buttons (hnappur), you will often need to specify the thickness (þykkt). The structure remains exactly the same: á þykkt.
| Can your sewing machine sew through the leather that is two centimeters in thickness? | Getur saumavélin þín saumað í gegnum leðrið sem er tvo sentímetra á þykkt? |
| The button on the sleeve is one centimeter in thickness. | Hnappurinn á erminni er einn sentímetri á þykkt. |
Tools of the Trade
To complete your sewing vocabulary, you will need a needle (nál) and thread (tvinni). As you describe the materials you are working with, you can seamlessly attach dimensional phrases to the fabrics you are measuring out.
| Do you need a needle and thread for the silk which is one meter in width? | Vantar þig nál og tvinna fyrir silkið sem er einn metra á breidd? |
| I tailor the sleeve and put the needle and the thread into the sewing machine. | Ég sníð ermina og set nálina og tvinnann í saumavélina. |