Question 1

Why do both parts of annan hvorn end in "-n" here?

Accepted Answer

Annar hvor is a compound pronoun, and uniquely, both of its parts must decline to match the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies. Since kassann (the box) is masculine and in the accusative case here, annar becomes annan and hvor becomes hvorn.

Question 2

Why is kassann in the definite form ("the box") when the English translation says "either box"?

Accepted Answer

This is a strict rule in Icelandic: when you use annar hvor directly with a noun, that noun must have the definite article attached to it. While English says "either box", Icelandic literally says "either the box" (annan hvorn kassann).

Question 3

The preposition undir can take either the accusative or the dative case. Why does it trigger the accusative in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Prepositions of location like undir (under) and í (in) take the accusative case when there is active motion or placement to a new destination. Because we are putting (að setja) the prize under the box, it requires the accusative. If the prize was already sitting there, you would use the dative (undir öðrum hvorum kassanum).

Question 4

Is aðal- in aðalvinninginn a prefix I can use with other words?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Aðal- translates directly to "main" or "chief" and is a highly productive prefix in Icelandic. You can stick it onto many nouns, just like in aðalatriði (main point) or aðalpersóna (main character).

Það er hægt að setja aðalvinninginn undir annan hvorn kassann.

Breakdown of Það er hægt að setja aðalvinninginn undir annan hvorn kassann.

Questions & Answers about Það er hægt að setja aðalvinninginn undir annan hvorn kassann.

Learn Það er hægt að setja aðalvinninginn undir annan hvorn kassann and more in Icelandic