Question 1

Why do we use kunna instead of geta here if it means they "can" build a house?

Accepted Answer

In Icelandic, kunna is used for skills you have learned, meaning "to know how to." If you said Þeir geta smíðað hús, it would mean they have the physical ability, time, or opportunity to do it right now. Since building a house is a learned skill, kunna is the perfect choice.

Question 2

Why is there an að between kunna and smíða?

Accepted Answer

The verb kunna requires the infinitive marker að (to) before the verb that follows it. You can think of kunna að as the English phrase "know how to". This is an important rule to remember, especially because the other "can" verb, geta, does not use að.

Question 3

Is hús singular or plural in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

It could actually be either! The word hús is a neuter noun, and its indefinite form is exactly the same in both the singular and the plural (hús). The English translation says "a house," but in Icelandic, this sentence can also mean "They know how to build houses" in a general sense.

Question 4

I've seen the verb byggja used for "build". Can I use that instead of smíða?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you could say Þeir kunna að byggja hús. Both mean "to build," but smíða specifically relates to craftsmanship, usually working with wood (carpentry) or metal (forging). Using smíða emphasizes the physical, hands-on craft of making the house.

Þeir kunna að smíða hús.

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