Question 1

Why do we use þetta here instead of þennan or þessa?

Accepted Answer

Þetta is the neuter singular form of the word for "this". Since both armband (bracelet) and vesti (vest) are neuter nouns, we use þetta for both of them. Because they are the objects that "they want", they are in the accusative case. For neuter words, the accusative form is identical to the basic dictionary form.

Question 2

Does the verb vilja (to want) affect the case of the words after it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, verbs like vilja require their direct object (the thing being wanted) to be in the accusative case. If you wanted a masculine or feminine noun, you would use þennan or þessa. But since armband and vesti are neuter, they do not change spelling in the accusative case at all!

Question 3

Why does the sentence use þau for "they"?

Accepted Answer

Þau is the neuter plural form of "they". In Icelandic, you use þeir for a group of all males, þær for a group of all females, and þau for a mixed group of males and females, or when you simply don't know the genders of the people in the group.

Question 4

Is the word armband exactly what it looks like?

Accepted Answer

Yes! It is a compound word made of arm (arm) and band (band, string, or ribbon). So an "arm band" is a bracelet. Similarly, vesti is related to the English word "vest". Literal compound words like this make Icelandic vocabulary a bit easier to guess!

Þau vilja þetta armband og þetta vesti.

Breakdown of Þau vilja þetta armband og þetta vesti.

Questions & Answers about Þau vilja þetta armband og þetta vesti.

Learn Þau vilja þetta armband og þetta vesti and more in Icelandic