Question 1

How is the word prentunina formed in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

It is built from the verb prenta (to print). By removing the infinitive ending and adding the suffix -un, it becomes the feminine noun prentun (printing). In this sentence, it is the direct object of the verb klára, so it is in the accusative case and takes the feminine accusative definite article, becoming prentunina (the printing).

Question 2

Why do we use á skrifstofuna (accusative) instead of á skrifstofunni (dative)?

Accepted Answer

The preposition á controls the accusative case when it describes motion or direction towards a destination. Because they went to the office, we use the accusative skrifstofuna. If they were already located inside the office, we would use the dative form skrifstofunni.

Question 3

Why do we need til að instead of just að klára?

Accepted Answer

The phrase til að specifically translates to "in order to". When expressing the purpose behind an action (going to the office in order to finish the printing), you must use til að before the infinitive verb. If you just used að klára, the sentence would be grammatically incorrect.

Question 4

Why does the sentence start with the neuter pronoun Þau for "they"?

Accepted Answer

Þau is the neuter plural pronoun. In Icelandic, you must use the neuter plural when a group contains a mix of male and female members, or when the gender makeup of the group is simply unknown to the speaker.

Þau fóru á skrifstofuna til að klára prentunina.

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