Breakdown of Þegar hún réttlætti sjálfa sig trúði hún lyginni.
hún
she
trúa
to believe
sig
himself/herself/themselves (acc)
þegar
when
sjálfur
self, oneself
réttlæta
to justify
lygin
the lie
Questions & Answers about Þegar hún réttlætti sjálfa sig trúði hún lyginni.
Why do we use sjálfa sig here instead of just sig?
Why is sjálfur specifically in the form sjálfa in this sentence?
The emphatic word sjálfur behaves like an adjective here. It must agree with the subject in gender and number, but it takes its case from what the verb dictates. Because the subject hún is feminine singular, and the verb réttlæta (to justify) requires an accusative object, we use the accusative feminine singular form sjálfa alongside the accusative pronoun sig.
Why does the second part of the sentence say trúði hún instead of hún trúði?
This is a classic example of the V2 (verb-second) rule. Because the sentence starts with a subordinate clause (Þegar hún réttlætti sjálfa sig), that entire clause occupies the first position in the sentence structure. The main verb trúði must take the second position, which pushes the subject hún to come immediately after it.
Why is "the lie" in the dative case (lyginni)?
The verb trúa (to believe) always governs the dative case for the person or thing being believed. Therefore, the feminine noun lygi with its attached definite article must change to its dative form, lyginni.
Learn Þegar hún réttlætti sjálfa sig trúði hún lyginni 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