gjaldast

Gjaldast is an Icelandic verb form that appears as the passive or middle-voice form of the verb gjalda, which means to pay or to render payment. In linguistic descriptions, gjaldast is noted as an infrequently used or archaic way to express that a person or entity is subjected to a charge or fee.

Etymology and form: Gjaldast is built from the root gjalda with the suffix -st, following patterns found in Nordic languages to form passive or middle constructions. It is primarily documented in older texts or formal prose rather than in everyday modern Icelandic.

Usage and status: Today the form is of scholarly or historical interest. In contemporary Icelandic, speakers typically use other constructions to express being charged or to indicate liability for a fee, such as active forms with gjalda or alternative passive constructions.

See also: gjalda, Icelandic verbs, passive voice.