Question 1

Does the tag er það ekki change depending on the gender of the subject (Evrópa) or the verb used?

Accepted Answer

No, and that is the best part about Icelandic question tags! In English, the tag changes based on the subject and verb (isn't it, aren't we, doesn't she, etc.). In Icelandic, er það ekki? (literally 'is it not?') is a fixed phrase. You can attach it to almost any statement to ask for confirmation, regardless of who or what the sentence is about.

Question 2

Why does the sentence use þar sem for 'where' instead of the question word hvar?

Accepted Answer

The word hvar is strictly used for asking questions, like 'Where is Europe?' (Hvar er Evrópa?). When you are connecting clauses and referring back to a place to describe it (meaning 'in which' or 'at which'), you must use the relative conjunction þar sem.

Question 3

How is the word heimsálfan (the continent) put together?

Accepted Answer

It is a compound noun made of heimur (world) and álfa (continent or region). The -s- in the middle is the genitive (possessive) ending of heimur, literally making it 'world's region'. Because álfa is a feminine noun, it takes the feminine definite article suffix -n at the very end, giving us heimsálfan (the continent).

Question 4

Could I use the verb lifum instead of búum for 'live' here?

Accepted Answer

No, you must use að búa when talking about residing or dwelling in a location. The verb að lifa means to be alive or to exist. You would use lifa when talking about life versus death, but búa for your geographic location or home.

Evrópa er heimsálfan þar sem við búum, er það ekki?

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