bræðir

Bróðir is the Icelandic word for "brother." It denotes a male sibling and is used in both literal and figurative senses. It is a masculine noun, and the common plural form is bræður.

Etymology and cognates: Bróðir derives from Old Norse bróðir and is cognate with Danish bror and Norwegian bror, all tracing back to a Proto-Germanic root related to the word for brother. The Icelandic form preserves the distinctive Old Norse phonology, including the voiced dental fricative ð.

Usage and context: In everyday language, bróðir refers to a male sibling, with distinctions between full or half-brother made by context. The term is also widely used as a familiar form of address among male friends, similar to English “bro” or “brother.” In religious, fraternal, or community contexts, bróðir can function as a respectful designation for a fellow member.

In literature and culture: The word appears throughout Icelandic literature, including sagas and poetry, as a straightforward kinship term and in various figurative expressions that emphasize ties of kinship and friendship.

See also: systir (sister); other North Germanic cognates include Danish bror and Norwegian bror.