Vandamálinu

Vandamálinu is the dative singular definite form of vandamál, the Icelandic noun meaning “the problem.” Vandamál is a common term used to denote a problem, difficulty, or issue in everyday speech, journalism, education, and public discourse. The word is widely employed across many domains to refer to a specific challenge or question that needs addressing.

Etymology and form: Vandamál is a compound of vand- (a sense of trouble or difficulty) and mál (matter, issue). The noun is neuter in gender. In definite singular form it appears as vandamálið when used in the nominative or accusative, and vandamálinu when used in the dative, such as after a preposition that governs the dative or a verb that takes a dative object. This pattern illustrates Icelandic nominal inflection, where definiteness and case are marked on the noun.

Usage notes: Vandamálinu signals that the referred problem is specific and known within the discourse. It often occurs in formal and semi-formal contexts, including discussions of policy, science, or organizational issues, as well as in narrative or explanatory writing. The word can be contrasted with the indefinite vandamál and with the definite nominative vandamálið, depending on the syntactic role within a sentence. Understanding vandamálinu thus reflects broader Icelandic grammar, where case and definiteness interact with prepositions and verbs.