Question 1

Why do we use sér here instead of a normal pronoun like þeim (them)?

Accepted Answer

This is the core of associative reflexivity. Because the sunscreen is on the person who is the subject of the sentence (hver sem er), Icelandic uses the reflexive pronoun sér. If you used a non-reflexive pronoun, it would mean they have the sunscreen on some other person.

Question 2

Why is sér in the dative case here?

Accepted Answer

The preposition á takes the dative case when it describes a stationary location, like having something physically located on your body or in your pockets.

Question 3

The English translation says 'on them'. Is sér plural here?

Accepted Answer

No, the subject hver sem er (anyone) is grammatically singular in Icelandic, which is why the verb is the singular á rather than the plural eiga. English often uses 'them' as a singular gender-neutral pronoun. However, even if the subject were plural, the reflexive pronoun would still be sér, because it never changes for number.

Question 4

What does á sér add to the meaning of hafa (to have)?

Accepted Answer

The phrase hafa eitthvað á sér specifically means to have something physically on your person. If you just said hafa sólarvörnina, it could mean they own the sunscreen but left it at home. Adding á sér means they are carrying it with them or wearing it.

Question 5

How is the noun sólarvörnina formed and declined here?

Accepted Answer

It combines sól (sun) in the genitive case (sólar) and the feminine noun vörn (defense/protection). The verb hafa dictates the accusative case, so with the definite article attached, the word becomes sólarvörnina (the sunscreen).

Hver sem er á að hafa sólarvörnina á sér hérna.

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