To ask "how" to a certain degree (such as "how difficult" or "how quickly"), Icelandic uses hversu or hvað followed by an adjective or adverb.
Asking "How" with Hversu
Hversu is the standard word for asking about degree. Pair it directly with an adjective or adverb. Remember that adjectives still need to agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they describe.
| How difficult is the vision test? | Hversu erfitt er sjónprófið? |
| How quickly does the eyesight worsen? | Hversu hratt versnar sjónin? |
Using Hvað for Degree
While hvað usually means "what," it is very frequently used interchangeably with hversu in everyday conversational Icelandic.
| How bad is the eyesight? | Hvað er sjónin slæm? |
| How sharp is the picture from this distance? | Hvað er myndin skörp frá þessari fjarlægð? |
| How thick is the new lens? | Hvað er nýja linsan þykk? |
Indirect Questions
These question words can also be placed in the middle of a statement to report an indirect question.
| The eye doctor asks how good the eyesight is. | Augnlæknirinn spyr hversu góð sjónin er. |
| How unclear is the board if you cover the right eye? | Hversu óljós er taflan ef þú hylur hægra augað? |
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