höfðum

Höfðum is a form used in Icelandic grammar. It is the dative plural of the neuter noun höfuð, which means head. In Icelandic, höfuð is a common word for the anatomical head as well as for metaphorical uses (such as the “head” of something). The plural form höfuð declines differently across cases and numbers, and höfðum specifically appears in the dative plural where the noun refers to multiple heads.

In terms of morphology, höfuð as a noun belongs to the strong neuter paradigm. The dative plural ending that yields höfðum is used after prepositions or verbs that require the dative case, and it translates roughly as “to the heads,” “for the heads,” or “with the heads,” depending on the governing grammatical structure. The nominative and accusative plural remains höfuð, while the genitive plural is höfuða. The dative singular has its own form (often listed as höfði or höfuði in various dialects or historical stages), but höfðum is specifically the plural.

Usage notes: höfðum is primarily encountered in formal, historical, or literary Icelandic texts and in grammatical descriptions of noun declension. In contemporary everyday Icelandic, speakers typically rely on alternative constructions rather than using the dative plural form höfðum in ordinary discourse. Understanding höfðum is mainly relevant for students of Icelandic grammar, translators dealing with older texts, and linguistic description of noun inflection.

Etymology: höfðum derives from höfuð, with a traditional Old Norse/Proto-Norse lineage, reflecting regular dative plural formation in Icelandic neuter nouns of this stem class.

See also: höfuð, Icelandic grammar, Icelandic noun declension.