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Questions & Answers about Stjórinn krefst þess.
Why do we use þess instead of það for 'that'?
The verb krefjast (to demand) governs the genitive case, meaning its object must always take the genitive form. Þess is the genitive neuter form of the demonstrative pronoun sá.
If þess is the genitive of sá, why do we use the neuter form here?
Why does the verb krefst end in -st?
It is in the middle voice. While the active base verb is krefja, the -st form krefjast is the standard way to say 'to demand' or 'to require'. In the present tense third-person singular, krefur drops the 'ur' before adding the suffix, becoming krefst.
What is the base form of the word Stjórinn?
The base noun is stjóri (boss or manager), which is a masculine noun. The -nn at the end is the attached definite article, making it 'the boss'.