Prepositions Before Indirect Questions
When an Icelandic verb is paired with a specific preposition—like tala um (to talk about) or einblína á (to focus on)—and followed by an indirect question, the preposition links directly to the question word (such as hvað, hvaða, hvar, or hvernig).
Unlike other clause structures where Icelandic might insert a dummy pronoun (e.g., um það að...), you drop the það entirely before a question clause.
| We are talking about what the career counselor said earlier. | Við erum að tala um hvað starfsráðgjafinn sagði áðan. |
Linking to Different Question Words
This rule applies regardless of which question word starts the clause. Notice how the prepositions sit right next to hvaða (which), hvar (where), and hvernig (how):
| Could you focus on which professional field you want to choose? | Gætirðu einblínt á hvaða fagsvið þú vilt velja? |
| I want to learn about where the job prospects are good. | Mig langar að fræðast um hvar atvinnuhorfurnar eru góðar. |
| The career counselor asks about how the job satisfaction is at the workplace. | Starfsráðgjafinn spyr um hvernig starfsánægjan er á vinnustaðnum. |
Putting it Together
If you are feeling lost (áttavilltur) about your career choices, you will frequently use this direct prepositional structure to ask questions or explain your thoughts to a career counselor.
| You need to focus on what is realistic now. | Þú þarft að einblína á hvað er raunhæft núna. |
| I am lost and know nothing about what I want to do. | Ég er áttavilltur og veit ekkert um hvað mig langar að gera. |