Question 1

Since leið is a feminine noun, why does the sentence use the neuter word þetta for "this" instead of the feminine þessi?

Accepted Answer

When you use "this" as a standalone subject to introduce or point something out (like "This is a..."), Icelandic always defaults to the neuter pronoun þetta, no matter what gender the noun has. You only use the feminine þessi if "this" is attached directly to the noun, as in þessi leið er vond (this route is bad).

Question 2

Why is the word for "bad" spelled vond here instead of its dictionary form vondur?

Accepted Answer

In Icelandic, adjectives change their endings to match the gender of the noun they describe. Because leið (route/way) is a feminine noun, the adjective drops the masculine -ur ending and becomes the feminine form vond.

Question 3

If this statement is the answer, how would I ask "What route is this?" using the question words from this lesson?

Accepted Answer

You would use the word hvaða (which/what). Since hvaða attaches directly to the noun it is asking about, the question would be Hvaða leið er þetta? (What route is this?). Notice how the neuter þetta is still used at the end for "this"!

Question 4

Does leið only mean "route"?

Accepted Answer

It generally means "route", "way", or "path". It is a very common word in Icelandic, and you will frequently see it in everyday phrases like á leiðinni (on the way).

Já, þetta er vond leið.

Breakdown of Já, þetta er vond leið.

Questions & Answers about Já, þetta er vond leið.

Learn Já, þetta er vond leið and more in Icelandic