In Icelandic, adjectives normally use the strong declension. However, certain function words trigger a simpler set of endings called the weak declension.
The Weak Endings (-i, -a, -a)
The weak adjective endings in the nominative singular are very consistent: masculine adjectives end in -i, while feminine and neuter adjectives both end in -a.
| Gender | Strong Adjective | Weak Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masculine | gamall (old) | gamli | þessi gamli kóngur |
| Feminine | ung (young) | unga | mín unga drottning |
| Neuter | þungt (heavy) | þunga | þetta þunga sverð |
Trigger 1: Demonstratives
Demonstratives like þessi or þetta (this) trigger the weak form of a following adjective.
| This old king is sleeping. | Þessi gamli kóngur sefur. |
| This handsome prince owns the sword. | Þessi fallegi prins á sverðið. |
Trigger 2: Possessive Pronouns
Possessive pronouns—such as mín (my), þín (your), hans (his), hennar (her), and þeirra (their)—also force the following adjective into the weak declension.
| My young queen reads the book. | Mín unga drottning les bókina. |
| His cruel dragon eats the meat. | Hans grimmi dreki borðar kjötið. |
| Your good princess is called Anna. | Þín góða prinsessa heitir Anna. |
The Neuter Weak Ending
Just like the feminine, neuter adjectives take the -a ending in the weak nominative singular. Watch how the neuter demonstrative þetta (this) triggers the weak form for a neuter noun like sverð (sword).
| This heavy sword is very expensive. | Þetta þunga sverð er mjög dýrt. |