Question 1

How does the phrase einn metra á breidd fit the dimensional pattern taught in this lesson?

Accepted Answer

It perfectly follows the rule: [Measurement in accusative] + á + [Dimension noun in accusative]. Metra is the accusative form of the masculine noun metri (acting as an accusative of measure), and the preposition á takes the accusative form of the feminine noun breidd (width) when describing dimensions.

Question 2

Why is the sentence built as Vantar þig instead of Vantar þú or Þú vantar?

Accepted Answer

The verb vanta (to lack / to need) is an impersonal verb that takes its logical subject (the person who needs something) in the accusative case. Therefore, the nominative þú becomes the accusative þig. The verb itself always stays in the third-person singular form.

Question 3

What case are the words nál and tvinna in here?

Accepted Answer

They are both in the accusative case. The verb vanta is a double accusative verb, meaning both the person needing something (þig) and the things needed (nál og tvinna) take the accusative. Tvinna is the accusative form of the weak masculine noun tvinni (thread).

Question 4

Could I just use an adjective here and say einn metra breitt instead of á breidd?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use the adjective breiður (declined to the neuter breitt to match silkið). However, the structure using á + the noun for the dimension (like á breidd for width, á lengd for length, or á hæð for height) is a very standard and idiomatic way to state exact measurements in Icelandic.

Vantar þig nál og tvinna fyrir silkið sem er einn metra á breidd?

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