Breakdown of Þessi viður er góður en við þurfum annan.
vera
to be
en
but
góður
good
við
we
þurfa
to need
þessi
this (m/f)
annar
other, another; second
viðurinn
the wood
Questions & Answers about Þessi viður er góður en við þurfum annan.
Why do we use annan instead of annar here?
annan is the masculine accusative form of annar (another). It is masculine to match the noun it refers back to, viður (wood). It is in the accusative case because it is the direct object of the verb þurfa (to need).
How can I tell that viður is a masculine noun in this sentence?
While the -ur ending is a strong hint, look at the adjective! góður (good) is in its masculine nominative form. If viður were feminine, it would be góð, and if neuter, the sentence would start with Þetta... er gott.
Does the verb þurfa always trigger the accusative case?
Yes! þurfa (to need) is a very common verb that requires its direct object to be in the accusative case. That is the rule pushing the pronoun into its accusative form, annan.
The English translation says "another one". Why is there no word for "one" in the Icelandic sentence?
Learn Þessi viður er góður en við þurfum annan and more in Icelandic
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free