Question 1

Why does it say Feldu þig instead of just Feldu?

Accepted Answer

In Icelandic, the verb fela (to hide) requires an object. To say you are hiding yourself, you must use the reflexive pronoun þig in the accusative case. Feldu is the imperative (command) form, which is a merged version of the verb fela and the pronoun þú.

Question 2

Why use the preposition á (on) for hiding 'in' a secret place?

Accepted Answer

While English says 'in a place', Icelandic typically uses á (on) with words ending in -staður (place or location). It triggers the dative case here (leynistaðnum) because it describes a stationary location where the action happens, rather than movement toward or into it.

Question 3

How would I use þar sem (where) to add more detail to the secret place?

Accepted Answer

This lesson covers þar sem for describing physical locations. To specify which secret place you mean, you can attach a relative clause right after the noun. For example, you could say: Feldu þig á leynistaðnum þar sem við hittumst! (Hide in the secret place where we met!).

Question 4

Why is there an en after áður? Doesn't áður already mean 'before'?

Accepted Answer

Áður on its own is an adverb meaning 'before' or 'earlier'. However, when you use it as a conjunction to introduce a new clause with its own subject and verb (like 'before I peek'), you must use the two-word phrase áður en.

Question 5

Why does the verb gægist end in -st?

Accepted Answer

This comes from the verb gægjast (to peek or pry), which is a middle voice verb. Middle voice verbs always end in -st. For some verbs like gægjast, this is the only form they have, meaning they do not have a standard active form without the suffix. Gægist is the conjugated form for ég (I).

Feldu þig á leynistaðnum áður en ég gægist!

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