Breakdown of Þrek og þrautseigja eru mikilvæg í þessari íþrótt.
vera
to be
og
and
í
in / into / to (before the hour, in telling time) / per (in frequency expressions)
þessi
this (m/f)
mikilvægur
important
íþróttin
the sport
þrekið
the stamina
þrautseigjan
the perseverance
Questions & Answers about Þrek og þrautseigja eru mikilvæg í þessari íþrótt.
Why is the adjective mikilvæg in the neuter plural form when þrautseigja is a feminine noun?
What case does the preposition í trigger in this sentence, and why?
It takes the dative case here, which gives us the forms þessari and íþrótt. The preposition í governs the dative when describing a stationary position or a figurative state (like being involved "in" a sport). It would only take the accusative if the sentence implied movement or transition into the sport.
How is the noun þrautseigja (perseverance) constructed?
It is a highly descriptive compound word made from þraut (a trial, hardship, or puzzle) and the adjective seigur (tough, resilient, or chewy). Together, they capture the exact idea of being tough enough to endure a trial.
Why isn't the definite article attached to þrek and þrautseigja, given that Icelandic often uses it for broad abstract nouns?
While Icelandic does frequently use the definite article for abstract concepts in their entirety (like ástin for "love" or lífið for "life"), it is usually omitted in paired lists, compound subjects, or when discussing general traits required for something, exactly as we do in English.
Learn Þrek og þrautseigja eru mikilvæg í þessari íþrótt 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