nóttinni

Nóttinni is the definite dative singular form of the Icelandic noun nótt, which means night. It is used with prepositions and in phrases that require the dative case to indicate location or time, for example in a sentence like í nóttinni, meaning “in the night.”

In Icelandic, nótt is a feminine noun. The definite singular form used in standard constructions is nóttin in the nominative/accusative, while nóttinni appears in the dative singular when a definite article is needed. The form nóttinni functions as a grammatical ending rather than as a separate word with its own meaning.

Etymology and related forms: nótt comes from Old Norse nótt, and has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Old English niht and Norwegian natt. The concept of night is central in both everyday language and literature. In Norse mythology, Nótt is the personified goddess of night, providing a cultural link between the modern Icelandic word and its mythological background.

Usage notes: nóttinni is encountered primarily as a grammatical form within phrases governed by dative prepositions or structures. It does not constitute a separate lexical item beyond the meaning “the night” and is not typically used without a preposition or as part of a fixed expression. In ordinary prose, it appears whenever the speaker or writer requires a definite, dative reference to the night.