hvernig

Hvernig is an Icelandic interrogative adverb meaning “how.” It is used to ask about the manner, condition, quality, or method of something, and appears in direct questions as well as indirect ones. Because it functions as an adverb, it does not take inflections and typically sits at the front of a clause or immediately before the verb in questions.

Etymology and relation to other languages: Hvernig is a cognate of the Scandinavian forms such as Danish hvordan and Norwegian hvordan, all derived from older Germanic roots meaning “in what way.” In Icelandic, kuten as in other Nordic languages, it serves primarily to inquire about the mode or state of an action or situation.

Usage in sentences: In direct questions, hvernig introduces the inquiry: “Hvernig segir þú það?” (How do you say that?) or “Hvernig líður þér?” (How do you feel?). In indirect questions, it appears in subordinate clauses: “Ég veit hvernig það er.” (I know how it is.) It can also be used in fixed expressions to express concession or condition, such as “hvernig sem” meaning “however” or “no matter how”: “Hvernig sem það er, við gerum það.”

Common collocations and notes: Hvernig often pairs with verbs of perception, movement, or state of being, and with adjectives or participles to specify manner (“rútínukennt hvernig,” though more naturally in context). It is distinct from hversu, which asks about degree or amount rather than manner. Understanding hjálp is aided by recognizing its role in forming both direct and indirect questions as a core feature of Icelandic interrogation.