Questions & Answers about Keyrir þú ekki um bæinn?
Why does the sentence start with the verb Keyrir?
To form a yes/no question in Icelandic, you move the verb to the front of the sentence. Instead of the statement word order Þú keyrir (You drive), it swaps to become Keyrir þú (Drive you?).
Why does ekki come after þú?
In Icelandic questions, the word ekki (not) goes right after the subject. The standard order is Verb + Subject + ekki, so we get Keyrir þú ekki (Don't you drive).
Why is the word for town spelled bæinn here instead of bærinn?
The preposition um requires the noun that follows it to take the accusative case. The basic subject word for the town is bærinn. When this masculine noun shifts to the accusative case, it drops the -r, becoming bæinn.
Does the preposition um always mean around?
Not always, as it can also mean about or concerning, but it is very common for expressing motion. When combined with verbs of motion like keyra (to drive), um usually means around, through, or across a physical area.