Breakdown of Virkar netið hérna?
hérna
here (colloquial, pointing)
netið
the internet
virka
to work (to function)
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Questions & Answers about Virkar netið hérna?
Why is the verb 'virkar' used for 'work' here instead of 'vinnur'?
In Icelandic, the verb vinna means to work at a job or to do labor. When you are talking about a machine, system, or piece of technology functioning properly, you must use virka instead.
What is the difference between 'hér' and 'hérna'?
Both words mean 'here'. Hérna is simply a slightly softer, more conversational version of hér. Adding the suffix -na to location words (such as þarna for 'there') is extremely common in everyday spoken Icelandic.
How is the word 'netið' formed?
It is the neuter noun net (which means net, web, or network) combined with the definite article suffix -ið. Together they mean 'the internet'. Note that Icelandic does not use a separate word for 'the', but attaches it to the end of the noun.
Why does the sentence start with the verb 'virkar'?
To form a yes/no question in Icelandic, you move the main verb to the front of the sentence. Icelandic does not use helper verbs like 'does' or 'do' for questions, so 'Does the internet work?' translates literally as 'Works the internet?' (Virkar netið?).