Question 1

How does the hvort sem ... eða structure work in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Hvort sem translates to "whether" and pairs with eða ("or") to form a concessive disjunction. This means it sets up two contrasting scenarios (við lifum eða deyjum) to show that the main action (Sambandið mun sameina okkur) will happen regardless of which option comes true.

Question 2

Do verbs following hvort sem take the indicative or subjunctive mood?

Accepted Answer

In modern Icelandic, hvort sem usually takes the indicative mood when presenting realistic or factual alternatives, which is why we see the indicative forms lifum and deyjum here. You would generally only use the subjunctive if the scenarios were highly hypothetical.

Question 3

Why does the phrase um alla eilífð use the accusative case?

Accepted Answer

The preposition um governs the accusative case when it is used to express time or duration. Because eilífð (eternity) is a feminine noun, the adjective allur must also take its feminine accusative form, which is alla.

Question 4

Besides an emotional "bond," what else can sambandið refer to?

Accepted Answer

The root word samband broadly means "connection" or "relationship." While it perfectly describes a romantic or spiritual bond here, it is also the standard word for practical connections, such as an internet connection (netsamband) or being in touch with someone (vera í sambandi).

Sambandið mun sameina okkur um alla eilífð, hvort sem við lifum eða deyjum.

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