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Questions & Answers about Styrkjum samtökin núna!
How does Styrkjum mean 'let's sponsor' if there is no word for 'we' or 'let's' in the sentence?
In Icelandic, you can create a 'Let's...' command (an exhortation) simply by putting the verb in the 'we' form (first person plural) and placing it at the very beginning of the sentence. When you use this verb-first word order, you drop the pronoun við (we).
How would this sentence look if I wanted to use skulum (let's) instead?
You would say Við skulum styrkja samtökin núna! When using við skulum, the main verb (styrkja) stays in its dictionary form (bare infinitive) and goes after the helping verb. Both versions mean the same thing, but Styrkjum! is often a bit punchier and more direct.
I learned that styrkja means 'to strengthen.' Why is it translated as 'sponsor' here?
While the literal meaning of styrkja is 'to strengthen,' it is the standard verb in Icelandic for 'to sponsor,' 'to fund,' or 'to support financially.' By giving money to an organization, you are conceptually strengthening it.
What gender and case is samtökin (the organization)?
Samtök is a neuter plural noun. It is almost always used in the plural form in Icelandic, even when referring to a single organization. It is in the accusative case here because the verb styrkja requires its object to be accusative, and the -in ending makes it definite neuter plural.