Breakdown of Hefur þú lesið bók um norræna goðafræði?
bókin
the book
þú
you
lesa
to read
um
about
hafa
to have
goðafræðin
the mythology
norrænn
Nordic
Questions & Answers about Hefur þú lesið bók um norræna goðafræði?
How does the suffix -rænn work in the word norræna?
The adjective norrænn (Nordic or Norse) is formed by attaching the suffix -rænn to the root for north, norður. This suffix is commonly added to compass directions and other spatial roots to create adjectives of origin, nature, or direction. In this sentence, it takes the form norræna to agree with the feminine accusative noun it modifies.
Since um governs the accusative case, why does the adjective norræna end in -a rather than taking a typical strong accusative ending?
It actually is the regular strong accusative ending for this class of words. Adjectives ending in a double consonant like -nn often simplify. For -rænn, the strong feminine accusative singular drops one -n and adds -a. Since there is no definite article here, the strong declension is required. If you were talking about the specific Nordic mythology, the weak declension would apply and the word would be norrænu.
Why doesn't the noun goðafræði change its ending after the preposition um?
The word goðafræði (mythology) is a feminine compound noun ending in -fræði (study or lore). Feminine nouns ending in -i are indeclinable in the singular, meaning their form stays exactly the same across all four cases.
Could I use the simple past tense Lastu instead of the present perfect Hefur þú lesið in this context?
You could, but it changes the nuance. Just as in English, using the present perfect Hefur þú lesið asks about a general life experience up to now. Using the simple past Lastu (Did you read) would imply a specific, restricted timeframe, such as asking if someone read an assigned book for a class.
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