Breakdown of Þau starfa mjög vel saman.
saman
together / on end (after a dative plural time noun)
mjög
very
þau
they (n)
starfa
to work
vel
well
Questions & Answers about Þau starfa mjög vel saman.
Why doesn't the verb starfa end in "-ar" if it's a Group 1 verb?
Group 1 verbs end in -ar in the singular present tense, such as hann starfar (he works). However, for all plural subjects like við (we), þið (you all), and þau (they), the verb just uses its dictionary (infinitive) form. That is why it is simply þau starfa here.
Why is the word þau used for "they" in this sentence?
Icelandic has three different words for "they". You use þeir for a group of all males, þær for a group of all females, and þau for a mixed-gender group (or a group of neuter nouns). Using þau here indicates that the people working together are a mix of men and women.
I learned the word vinna for "to work". What is the difference between vinna and starfa?
Both mean "to work." Vinna is the most common, everyday word for doing a job or working. Starfa is a bit more formal and is often used to describe practicing a profession, operating, or collaborating. Saying they starfa saman is a very natural way to express that they collaborate or function well as a team.
Is the word order for adverbs like mjög vel saman always the same as in English?
Very often, yes! In this sentence, the Icelandic word order perfectly mirrors the English "very well together." The word mjög (very) modifies vel (well), and it is followed by saman (together), placed right after the verb just like you would expect in English.
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