Breakdown of Hann krefst þess að vinnubrögðin séu allra best.
vera
to be
hann
he
það
it / there (existential) / the one (n)
góður
good
að
that (conjunction)
allur
all / everything / everyone
krefjast
to demand
vinnubrögðin
the working methods
Questions & Answers about Hann krefst þess að vinnubrögðin séu allra best.
Why do we use the subjunctive séu here instead of the indicative eru?
This is the subjunctive of volition. The main verb, krefjast (to demand), expresses a strong command. When a verb of volition introduces an að-clause with a new subject (here, vinnubrögðin), the verb in that clause must take the subjunctive. Since the main verb is in the present tense, we use the present subjunctive séu.
Why is the word þess inserted before the að-clause?
The verb krefjast requires its object to be in the genitive case. Because an entire að-clause cannot take a grammatical case, Icelandic bridges the gap by inserting the dummy pronoun það in the genitive (þess). You can think of it literally as 'He demands of that, that the working methods...'
How does the phrase allra best work grammatically?
Allra is the genitive plural of allur (all). When placed directly before a superlative adjective like best, it acts as an intensifier meaning 'the very best' or literally 'best of all.'
Why is the plural adjective best used when vinnubrögðin ends in -in? Isn't -in usually a feminine singular ending?
While -in is the feminine singular definite article, it is also the neuter plural definite article. Vinnubrögð (working methods) is a neuter noun being used in the plural here. Because of this, both the verb (séu) and the adjective (best) must also be in the plural form to agree with it.
Learn Hann krefst þess að vinnubrögðin séu allra best 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