Question 1

How is the compound word skrifborðslampanum formed?

Accepted Answer

It is made of multiple parts. First, the bare verb stem skrif (from skrifa, to write) connects directly to the noun borð (table) to make skrifborð (desk). Then, to attach lampi (lamp), we use the genitive linking suffix -s on skrifborð, resulting in skrifborðslampi. Finally, the definite article is added in the dative case to make skrifborðslampanum.

Question 2

Why does sjónvarpsskjáinn have an extra s in the middle?

Accepted Answer

That -s is the genitive linking suffix. When joining sjónvarp (television) and skjár (screen) to make a compound noun, the first word is put into the genitive (possessive) case, which adds the -s. It essentially links them as television's screen.

Question 3

Both nouns follow the preposition á. Why is skrifborðslampanum in the dative case but sjónvarpsskjáinn in the accusative case?

Accepted Answer

The case depends on the specific phrasal verb that comes before the preposition. The verb phrase kveikja á (to turn on) always triggers the dative case for the object following it. However, horfa á (to look at) always requires the accusative case.

Question 4

Where do you attach the definite article in long compound nouns like these?

Accepted Answer

You only add the definite article to the very last word in the compound chain. In sjónvarpsskjáinn, only the final word skjár gets the accusative article to become skjáinn. The preceding word sjónvarps stays exactly the same as it was.

Hann kveikir á skrifborðslampanum og horfir á sjónvarpsskjáinn.

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