börnin

Börnin is the definite plural form of the Icelandic noun börn, meaning "the children." It is used when referring to a specific group of children that is known from context or previously mentioned. For example: Börnin leika sér í garðinum.

Grammar notes: The base forms are barn (a child) and börn (children). The definite singular is barnið (the child), and the definite plural is börnin (the children). This system of definite forms is typical in Icelandic, where suffixes attach to the noun to indicate definiteness and number. Example: Hún hafði barnið með sér; Börnin eru með leikföngin.

Usage and context: Börnin appears in everyday speech, education, media, and literature to refer to a specific group of children. Like other Icelandic nouns, its form changes to reflect definiteness and number, which helps indicate whether the reference is general or specific.

Etymology and cognates: The word börn stems from Old Norse barn and has cognates across North Germanic languages, such as Danish børn and Swedish barn, which reflect a common historical development for the term meaning “child” or “children.” In Icelandic, the definite plural börnin is a standard form used in both formal and informal contexts.