Breakdown of Þú verður að slá inn kóðann, annars er hurðin lokuð.
vera
to be
þú
you
lokaður
closed
hurðin
the door
verða að
to have to (verða að)
annars
otherwise
slá inn
to enter
kóðinn
the code
Questions & Answers about Þú verður að slá inn kóðann, annars er hurðin lokuð.
Why is the verb er placed right after annars?
The verb slá usually means 'to hit'. Why is it used here for entering a code?
When combined with the adverb inn (in), the phrasal verb slá inn means 'to type in' or 'to enter' data, like on a keyboard or keypad. You are literally 'striking in' the numbers!
Why do we use verður að here instead of átt að or skalt for 'must'?
Verða að expresses an absolute necessity or physical requirement: you have no choice if you want the door open. Eiga að (to be supposed to) or skulu (shall/should) imply a moral obligation or instruction, which isn't strong enough for this strict mechanical rule.
The translation says the door 'stays closed', but the Icelandic just says er lokuð (is closed). Why not use a word for 'stays'?
In Icelandic, stating the consequence with er (is) and the adjective lokuð (closed) is the most natural way to show the door's state simply won't change. You could say verður áfram lokuð (will continue to be closed), but it sounds overly wordy for a simple everyday consequence.
Why is the word for code written as kóðann?
It is the direct object of the verb phrase slá inn, so it takes the accusative case. The base masculine noun is kóði, which becomes kóða in the accusative. Adding the attached definite article 'the' (-nn) gives us kóðann.
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