Aðalsetning

Aðalsetning is the main clause of a sentence in Icelandic grammar. It is the part that can stand on its own as a complete sentence and expresses the central proposition or action. In simple sentences the entire sentence is a single aðalsetning. In more complex sentences, several aðalsetningar and undirsetningar (subordinate clauses) can be combined, with the aðalsetning providing the main claim and the subordinate clauses adding details such as time, condition, reason, or description.

Subordinate clauses are dependent on the main clause and cannot normally function as independent sentences. They are connected to the main clause by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns. Common types include object clauses introduced by að, time clauses introduced by þegar or þegar, condition clauses introduced by ef, and reason or purpose clauses introduced by því að or til að. Relative clauses, introduced by sem or sem lýsir, provide additional information about a noun in the main clause.

Word order in Icelandic main clauses typically places the finite verb in the second position, while subordinate clauses preserve their own internal syntax and often place the verb later in the clause. Punctuation can mark the boundary between main and subordinate clauses, especially in longer complex sentences.

Aðalsetning is a foundational concept in Icelandic syntax and is contrasted with undirsetningar, which include various types of dependent clauses that cannot stand alone and rely on the aðalsetning for complete meaning. Understanding the distinction helps explain sentence structure and the flow of information in Icelandic text.