sagnorðsins

Sagnorðið, commonly referred to as the verb in Icelandic grammar, is a central element of the sentence. It expresses actions, processes or states and functions as the main predicate in a clause. Finite sagnorð carry information about time, mood and aspect, and they agree with the subject in person and number.

Icelandic sagnorð are traditionally divided into strong and weak verbs. Strong verbs undergo internal vowel changes (ablaut) in past tenses, while weak verbs form past tense with a dental suffix such as -di, -ti or -ið. Many verbs are irregular and do not follow a single predictable pattern. The verb system also includes a small set of highly irregular verbs, such as vera (to be) and hafa (to have), which serve as auxiliaries in forming compound tenses.

Non-finite forms include the infinitive introduced by að (að lesa, to read), the past participle (lesinn, read) and the present participle (lesandi, reading). Finite forms are used to express tense and mood in main clauses, and they may combine with auxiliary verbs to create compound tenses, such as the perfect or pluperfect.

In terms of syntax, the sagnorð typically occupies a prominent position in a clause. In most finite clauses the verb lies in the second position, and it agrees with the subject in person and number. Verbs also appear in imperative mood for commands, and in subjunctive or other moods in subordinate clauses, depending on nuance and style.

Sagnorðins behavior reflects Icelandic’s rich inflectional system, its distinction between strong and weak verb roots, and its use of non-finite forms to construct tense, aspect and voice.