Breakdown of Framleiðslan byrjar þegar færibandið byrjar að vinna.
að
to (infinitive marker)
vinna
to work (general labor, to do work)
byrja
to start
þegar
when
framleiðslan
the production
færibandið
the conveyor belt
Questions & Answers about Framleiðslan byrjar þegar færibandið byrjar að vinna.
Why does the second byrjar have að after it, but the first one doesn't?
The first byrjar stands alone because it simply says that a noun (the production) begins. The second byrjar introduces another verb (to work). When you link byrja with another action, Icelandic uses the infinitive marker að before the second verb, just like the English word to in starts to work.
I thought vinna meant to work at a job. Can it be used for machines too?
Yes! While vinna often refers to a person's employment, it is also the standard verb for machines and equipment operating. When a machine is running or functioning, Icelanders say it is að vinna.
How can I break down the word færibandið?
It is a compound of the verb færa (to move or shift) and the neuter noun band (a band or belt). So færiband is a moving belt. The -ið tacked onto the end is the neuter definite article, making it the conveyor belt.
Why does the sentence use the simple present byrjar instead of the continuous er að byrja?
Using the simple present byrjar in both halves of the sentence shows this is a general fact or a set rule: whenever the belt starts, the production starts. If you used er að byrja, it would mean the belt is in the process of starting right at this very second.
Learn Framleiðslan byrjar þegar færibandið byrjar að vinna 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