Question 1

Why is the word order þetta atriði er (subject + verb) instead of the usual verb-second rule?

Accepted Answer

When you use en hvað to make an exclamation (meaning "how" or "so"), it is followed by normal subject + verb word order. If you started the sentence with the other exclamative word, mikið, it would trigger inverted word order: Mikið er þetta atriði magnað.

Question 2

I learned that atriði means "point" or "item" (like on a list). Why is it translated as "act" here?

Accepted Answer

Atriði is a very versatile word. While it often means "point" or "detail," in the context of entertainment, such as a circus, talent show, or play, it translates to an "act," "scene," or "number" in a performance.

Question 3

Why does the sentence use magnað instead of magnaður?

Accepted Answer

The adjective must agree with the noun it describes. Atriði is a neuter noun, so both the demonstrative pronoun þetta (this) and the adjective magnað (amazing/powerful) must be in their neuter singular forms.

Question 4

Can I leave out the en and just say hvað þetta atriði er magnað?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in spoken Icelandic it is very common to drop the en and just use hvað for exclamations (e.g., Hvað þetta atriði er magnað!). However, en hvað is the complete, standard phrase you'll often see in writing.

En hvað þetta atriði er magnað.

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