fjölskyldum

Fjölskyldum is the dative plural form of the Icelandic noun fjölskylda, which means family. In Icelandic, fjölskylda is a feminine noun that declines across cases, with the dative plural being fjølskyldum. The nominative plural is fjölskyldur, the genitive plural is fjölskyldna, and the accusative plural is usually fjölskyldurnar (definite) or fjölskyldur (indefinite). Fjölskyldum therefore appears in sentences and phrases where the dative plural is required by the verb or preposition.

Etymology and grammar are central to the usage of fjölskyldum. The word fjölskylda originates in Old Norse and denotes a unit of kinship or household. In modern Icelandic, the form fjölskyldum is primarily a grammatical object, used to indicate “to/for/with families” or other dative relationships, depending on the surrounding prepositions and verbs. As with other Icelandic nouns, it is more common to encounter the base noun fjölskylda in everyday speech, while fjölskyldum appears in more formal or syntactic contexts.

Cultural and social context aside from grammar, the concept of family in Iceland encompasses a range of household structures. The Icelandic family model includes traditional two-parent households as well as single-parent families, blended families, and families headed by same-sex couples. Social policies in Iceland aim to support families through measures such as parental leave, child benefits, and childcare provisions, reflecting the importance placed on family life in Icelandic society.

Overall, fjölskyldum is a specific grammatical form used within a broader language system to express dative plural relationships related to the concept of family.