Fyrirspurn

Fyrirspurn is an Icelandic noun meaning a question or inquiry, particularly in formal or institutional settings. In everyday Icelandic, spurning is used for a general question, while fyrirspurn denotes a formal inquiry or request for information. The term is commonly employed in parliamentary and governmental contexts, where a member of Alþingi asks a minister or the government for information or explanation.

Etymology and form: The word is a compound of fyrir (before, to) and spurn (question). The compound conveys the sense of directing a question to someone. The standard form is fyrirspurn, with the plural fyrirspurnir. Related but less formal terms include spurning, which covers ordinary questions.

Parliamentary use: In Iceland’s parliament, a fyrirspurn is a formal mechanism by which members can request information from the government or a specific minister. The purpose is to promote transparency, accountability, and oversight. The government typically prepares a written answer and delivers it within an established timeframe; the exchange is recorded in parliamentary proceedings and becomes part of the public record. Depending on procedures, some foroms may also allow oral questions.

Variants and scope: A fyrirspurn can be directed to a particular minister, often phrased as a "fyrirspurn til ráðherra" or "fyrirspurn til ríkisstjórnarinnar." While it is a formal instrument in official discourse, the everyday word for a question remains spurning. See also spurning, Alþingi, and ministers in the Icelandic government.