Question 1

Why do we use eigum here instead of a form of hafa for "have"?

Accepted Answer

In Icelandic, eiga is used when you physically own or possess something (like cats, a house, or a car), as well as for family relationships. Hafa is mostly used as a helper verb (like "I have eaten") or for abstract things (like having an idea or having time).

Question 2

I thought ketti was the singular dative form of "cat". Why is it used here?

Accepted Answer

You're right that ketti is the singular dative form, but it is also the plural accusative form! The verb eiga (to own) forces its object into the accusative case. Since there are two cats, we need the plural accusative of köttur, which happens to be ketti.

Question 3

Why is the word for "two" tvo instead of tveir?

Accepted Answer

In Icelandic, the numbers 1 through 4 change their endings to match the noun's gender and case. Because the word for cat (köttur) is masculine and in the accusative case here, the number two must be in the masculine accusative form, which is tvo (instead of the nominative form tveir).

Question 4

Why is the adjective feita used instead of feitir?

Accepted Answer

Adjectives have to match the noun they describe. Because ketti is masculine, plural, and in the accusative case, the adjective feitur (fat) must take the matching masculine plural accusative ending, making it feita. If the cats were the subject of the sentence doing the action, you would use the nominative form feitir.

Við eigum tvo feita ketti.

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