Breakdown of Þið verðið að finna stærsta takkann, annars springur sprengjan.
stór
big
þið
you (plural)
finna
to find
verða að
to have to
springa
to explode
annars
otherwise
takkinn
the button
sprengjan
the bomb
Questions & Answers about Þið verðið að finna stærsta takkann, annars springur sprengjan.
Why is the verb springur placed before the subject sprengjan after the comma?
This is because of the V2 (verb-second) rule. The word annars (otherwise) acts as an adverb that starts the second main clause. Since annars takes the first position in that clause, the verb springur (explodes) must immediately follow it to stay in the second position. This pushes the subject sprengjan (the bomb) to the third position.
Why does the sentence use verðið að instead of just verðið?
In Icelandic, the verb verða on its own usually means 'to become' or 'will be'. However, when you add að to make the phrase verða að (followed by an infinitive verb like finna), it changes the meaning to a strong obligation: 'have to' or 'must'. Here, þið verðið að finna means 'you must find'.
Why does the adjective stærsta end in -a here, and why does takkann have the definite article attached?
When using an adjective in the superlative ('biggest') with a specific noun, Icelandic uses the weak adjective endings and attaches the definite article to the noun. Takki (button) is a masculine noun, and because it is the direct object you are finding, it is in the accusative case. The weak accusative form of the superlative is stærsta, and the noun with the definite article becomes takkann.
Does the verb springa mean the same thing as the English word 'spring'?
No, they are false friends. In Icelandic, springa means 'to explode' or 'to burst' (including getting a flat tire). If you want to say 'spring' in the sense of jumping, you would use the verb stökkva instead.
Learn Þið verðið að finna stærsta takkann, annars springur sprengjan 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