Question 1

English uses the -ing form ("discussing") here. Why does Icelandic use hvernig?

Accepted Answer

After verbs of perception like heyra (to hear) or sjá (to see), Icelandic often uses a subordinate clause starting with hvernig (how) or hvar (where) to describe an ongoing action. It literally translates to "You hear how the conspirator discusses...", which is the natural Icelandic equivalent of the English "-ing" participle in this context.

Question 2

Could I use an infinitive here instead of hvernig, like "Þú heyrir samsærismanninn ræða um..."?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use the "object + infinitive" structure. If you do, the subject of the second verb becomes the object of the perception verb (making it accusative: samsærismanninn). However, using the hvernig clause as shown in this sentence puts more emphasis on the ongoing, descriptive nature of the action, similar to the English "-ing" form.

Question 3

Why is the adjective vafasömu instead of vafasöm?

Accepted Answer

Because it modifies a noun with the definite article attached (viðskiptin, the business). When an adjective comes before a definite noun, it must take the weak declension. For a neuter plural accusative word, the weak form of vafasamur (dubious) is vafasömu.

Question 4

Does the preposition um always trigger the accusative case, as it does for vafasömu viðskiptin?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when um means "about" (as in ræða um, to talk about), it always governs the accusative case. Notice that viðskipti is a neuter noun that is used in the plural here, so viðskiptin is the neuter plural accusative form with the definite article attached.

Þú heyrir hvernig samsærismaðurinn ræðir um vafasömu viðskiptin.

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