Sagnorði

Sagnorði is the Icelandic term for verbs, the class of words that express actions, processes, or states and function as the predicate in a sentence. They are central to Icelandic grammar and are used to describe whether something happens, has happened, or will happen, as well as to indicate states or conditions.

Morphology and inflection: Sagnorð are highly inflected. They change form to indicate tense (present and past), mood (indicative, imperative, and a subjunctive or optative form that appears less frequently in modern usage), voice, and agreement with the subject in person and number. In addition to finite forms, verbs form nonfinite constructions such as the infinitive, and participle-based forms used in various tenses and in the passive voice. The future is commonly expressed with auxiliary constructions (for example using the verb munu plus the infinitive) to convey planned or impending action.

Nonfinite forms and uses: The infinitive serves as the basic form of the verb. The present active participle (ending in -andi, as in lesandi “reading” or stolandi “stealing”) can function as an adjective or adverbial modifier. The past participle is used with auxiliary verbs to form perfect tenses and to express passive voice.

Classification and irregularity: Icelandic sagnorð are traditionally grouped into strong and weak verb classes, with many irregular verbs that do not follow regular patterns. Strong verbs often show vowel changes in past tenses, while weak verbs add predictable endings. Because of irregulars, learners typically memorize a core set of common verbs alongside general patterns.

In usage, sagnorð are the primary vehicle for predication, govern agreement with the subject in finite forms, and combine with other elements to form complex tenses, voices, and moods.