Question 1

Why use þar á here instead of saying "on it" with a normal pronoun like á henni?

Accepted Answer

In everyday speech, you would normally say á henni to mean "on it" because mappa is a feminine noun and requires the dative case after the preposition á. However, þar á is a formal, written-register alternative. By combining þar (there) with a preposition, it acts like the English word "thereon" and completely bypasses the need to match the gender and case of the noun it refers to.

Question 2

Since þar á replaces the need for a pronoun, does the preposition á still govern a case in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

No. When a preposition is combined with þar in this way, the whole phrase functions as a pronominal adverb rather than an active preposition. Because there is no noun or pronoun functioning as an object for it to act upon, there is no case to govern.

Question 3

Why is the adjective for "old" spelled gömul here?

Accepted Answer

The noun mappa (folder) is feminine. When describing a feminine, singular subject in the nominative case, the root adjective gamall (old) undergoes a vowel shift and changes to gömul.

Question 4

Why does the second clause start with það er (there is) rather than just stating that the damage is on the folder?

Accepted Answer

Just like the English "there is", Icelandic uses the dummy pronoun það to introduce the existence of something new or indefinite into the conversation. Even though the folder itself is known, the skýr skemmd (clear damage) is brand new information, so using það er is the grammatically correct way to introduce it.

Mappan er gömul og það er skýr skemmd þar á.

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