Questions & Answers about Barnið svarar mér ekki.
Why is "me" translated as mér here instead of mig?
In Icelandic, certain verbs require their object to be in a specific case. The verb svara (to answer) always takes the dative case. So, instead of using the accusative mig, you must use the dative pronoun mér.
How would I change this sentence to say "The child does not answer him"?
Why is ekki (not) at the very end of the sentence?
In simple Icelandic sentences, the action word or verb (like svarar) usually comes second. When the object is a short pronoun like mér, it tucks in right after the verb, which pushes the negative word ekki to the end of the sentence.
What is the base word for Barnið and why does it have that ending?
The base word for "child" is barn, which is a neuter noun. Instead of using a separate word for "the", Icelandic attaches it to the end of the noun. Adding the neuter ending -ið makes it barnið (the child).
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