Breakdown of Við keyptum ykkur óvæntan glaðning.
þið
you (plural)
við
we
kaupa
to buy
óvæntur
unexpected
glaðningurinn
the treat
Questions & Answers about Við keyptum ykkur óvæntan glaðning.
Why is ykkur in the dative case here instead of using a preposition like "for"?
This is a great example of the "dative of advantage" (Dativus commodi). In Icelandic, you frequently skip using a preposition like fyrir (for) when you do an action for someone's benefit. Instead, you just put the beneficiary (in this case ykkur, meaning "for you all") directly into the dative case right after the verb.
Could I say Við keyptum óvæntan glaðning fyrir ykkur instead?
Yes, that is grammatically correct and means exactly the same thing. However, using the dative of advantage (Við keyptum ykkur...) is very common and often sounds more natural and concise in spoken Icelandic, especially with everyday verbs like kaupa (to buy), búa til (to make), or sækja (to fetch).
Why does the adjective óvæntan end in -an?
It is a strong adjective modifying the masculine noun glaðningur (treat). Because the treat is the direct object being bought, it is in the accusative case. The accusative, masculine, singular, strong ending for adjectives is -an, which changes the dictionary form óvæntur into óvæntan.
What is the base form of glaðning, and where does the word come from?
The nominative base form is the masculine noun glaðningur, which drops the -ur ending in the accusative case to become glaðning. It is derived from the adjective glaður (glad/happy) combined with the suffix -ningur. Literally, it means something that brings gladness, like a pleasant surprise, a small gift, or a treat.
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