getur

Getur is an Icelandic word meaning "can" or "to be able to." It is the present indicative form of geta, the verb that expresses ability or possibility. In standard Icelandic, geta is conjugated across persons: ég get; þú getur; hann/hún/ það getur; við getum; þið getið; þau geta. The form getur specifically appears as the present tense for the second and third person singular, as in "Getur þú hjálpað mér?" (Can you help me?) and "Hann getur komið" (He can come).

The word is commonly used in questions and statements about capacity, permission, or possibility, and it is negated with ekki: "Ég get ekki gert það" (I cannot do that).

Grammatical notes: getur can be followed by infinitives to express ability in the present (Ég get gert það) and may combine with other particles to form modal expressions such as "getur alltaf" (can always). The past tense or participial forms use other inflections of geta.

Etymology: The verb geta originates from Old Norse geta and is cognate with other Germanic languages’ verbs meaning to be able. It is a basic and highly frequent verb in Icelandic.

See also: geta; Icelandic language; verbs in Icelandic grammar.