Questions & Answers about Leikarinn nýtur velgengninnar.
Why is the object in the genitive case here?
The verb njóta (to enjoy) is one of the specific verbs in Icelandic that requires its direct object to be in the genitive case. Instead of the usual accusative, you have to use the genitive form of the noun being enjoyed.
Why does the verb njóta change to nýtur?
Njóta is a strong verb. In the present tense singular (I, you, he/she/it forms), it undergoes a vowel shift where jó changes to ý. Therefore, "the actor enjoys" becomes leikarinn nýtur.
How exactly do we get the ending -nnar on velgengninnar?
The word for "success" is velgengni. It is a feminine noun that happens to have the exact same spelling in all four cases in the singular. Because the base noun doesn't change, the genitive marker comes entirely from the attached definite article ("the"), which is -nnar for feminine nouns in the genitive. So, velgengni + nnar = velgengninnar.
Can you break down the word velgengni?
It is a compound word built from vel (well) and gengni, which is derived from the verb ganga (to walk / to go). It literally describes a state where things are "going well," which is the perfect way to express "success."
Learn Leikarinn nýtur velgengninnar and more in Icelandic
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free