Sagnir

Sagnir is the Icelandic term for verbs, the class of words that express actions, events, or states and function as the predicate in sentences. Like verbs in many languages, sagnir are marked for properties such as tense, aspect, mood, voice, and person and number, and they often participate in complex tense constructions with auxiliary forms. They also have non-finite forms, such as the infinitive and participles, which are used in dependent clauses or to form compound expressions.

In Icelandic, as in other Germanic languages, sagnir are traditionally analyzed as belonging to several conjugation classes, including strong and weak verbs, with a substantial number of irregular forms. They change form to indicate who is performing the action (first, second, or third person) and whether the action is singular or plural. The base form is usually the infinitive, from which present, past, and participial forms are derived.

Verbs can be transitive or intransitive and may require direct or indirect objects. They also function as auxiliary verbs to form perfects, progressives, or negations. In subordinate clauses, finite forms of sagnir agree with the subject, while non-finite forms appear in infinitive or participial constructions. Sagnir thus play a central role in sentence structure, tense, aspect, and mood, and they interact with other parts of speech to convey time and modality.

Historically, verb systems are a core element of Icelandic grammar, reflecting broader Germanic patterns while preserving unique developments over time. Sagnir remain a fundamental element of the language, essential for expressing action, event, and state.