Sagtíðin

Sagtíðin, in Icelandic grammar, refers to the past tense. It is used to describe actions or events that happened before the present moment. In everyday speech and in writing, the past tense helps narrate stories, report past events, and state what was true at a prior time, often accompanied by time markers such as í gær (yesterday) or fyrir stuttu (recently).

The past tense in Icelandic is formed mainly in two ways. Weak verbs, which form their past by adding a suffix to the stem (for example tala → talaði, meaning “I spoke”). Strong verbs change the stem vowel or behave irregularly in the past (for example segja → sagði, vera → var). Some common irregulars include hafa → hafði (I had) and vera → var (I was). For plural subjects, the endings adapt accordingly, as in við vorum (we were).

In addition to the simple past, Icelandic also has the past perfect, formed with haf ārði or hafði + past participle, as in ég hafði unnið (I had worked). The past progressive can be expressed with var að + infinitive, as in ég var að tala (I was speaking). The choice between these forms depends on aspect, emphasis, and narrative flow.

Usage notes: The past tense contrasts with the present tense and with future constructions. It commonly appears with time expressions (í gær, fyrir áður). Irregular verbs and vowel changes require memorization, but most verbs follow regular weak-verb patterns. The past tense is essential for clear, coherent storytelling and for recounting experiences or events already completed.