Breakdown of Varðandi fóðrið, þá verður þú að fylgja reglunum stranglega.
þú
you
fylgja
to follow
reglan
the rule
verða að
to have to (verða að)
varðandi
regarding
þá
then
fóðrið
the pet food
stranglega
strictly
Questions & Answers about Varðandi fóðrið, þá verður þú að fylgja reglunum stranglega.
Why is fóðrið in the accusative case here?
It is governed by varðandi (regarding). Even though varðandi is a present participle coming from the verb varða (to concern), it functions here as a preposition. As a topic preposition, it always dictates the accusative case for the noun that follows it.
Why is the word þá used here? We wouldn't usually say "then" in this English sentence.
When an Icelandic sentence starts with a topic phrase or a dependent clause (like Varðandi fóðrið), it is extremely common to start the main clause with þá (then) to act as a bridge. It also neatly sets up the V2 (verb-second) rule: þá takes the first slot of the main clause, forcing the verb verður into the second slot.
Why is reglunum in the dative case instead of the accusative?
The verb fylgja (to follow) dictates that its object must be in the dative case. Since you are following "the rules", the feminine plural noun reglur takes its dative definite form, which is reglunum.
Doesn't the verb verður usually mean "becomes" or "will be"?
Yes, on its own, verða typically means "to become" or "will be". However, when it is combined with að plus an infinitive verb—like verður [...] að fylgja in this sentence—the meaning changes to "must" or "have to".
Learn Varðandi fóðrið, þá verður þú að fylgja reglunum stranglega and more in Icelandic
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free