Breakdown of Við minntumst fortíðarinnar.
við
we
fortíðin
the past
minnast
to remember (commemorate, recall)
Questions & Answers about Við minntumst fortíðarinnar.
Why is fortíðarinnar in the genitive case here?
This is the main focus of this lesson! The verb minnast (to remember / to commemorate) is one of the specific Icelandic verbs that requires its object to be in the genitive case instead of the usual accusative or dative.
I learned that 'to remember' is muna. Why are we using minnast here?
Muna is used for simply retaining a fact or memory in your head (like remembering a password or a name). Minnast is used for remembering in a deeper, more active sense, such as reminiscing, commemorating, or mentioning. Since the sentence is about reminiscing about the past, minnast is the natural choice. Keep in mind that muna takes the accusative case, while minnast takes the genitive!
What is the base verb of minntumst, and how does the -st ending change it?
The verb is in the middle voice, indicated by the -st ending. The active base verb is minna, which means 'to remind' and takes an accusative object. When you add the -st ending to make it minnast, the meaning shifts inward from 'remind' to 'remember' or 'reminisce', and it starts governing the genitive case.
Can you break down the ending on fortíðarinnar?
The base word is fortíð (past), which is a feminine noun. In the genitive singular, it takes the ending -ar, becoming fortíðar. To make it definite (the past), we attach the feminine genitive singular definite article, which is -innar. Combined, this gives us fortíðarinnar.
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