staðurinn

staðurinn is the definite singular form of the Icelandic noun staður, meaning "place" or "location." It denotes a specific place that is understood from context and is commonly used in everyday language, writing, signage, and media to refer to a particular site. The definite form signals that the place being discussed is known to the speakers.

Etymology: The word staður derives from Old Norse staðr, meaning "place." The definite suffix -inn attaches to the noun to form staðurinn, which yields the English sense of "the place." The construction is part of Icelandic’s broader system of definite articles attached to nouns.

Usage: The definite form staðurinn contrasts with the indefinite form staður, meaning "a place." In sentences, staðurinn can function as subject or object. Examples: "Staðurinn er opinn" (The place is open). "Staðurinn sem við heimsóttum var fallegur" (The place we visited was beautiful). "Staðurinn er opinn frá níu til sex" (The place is open from nine to six). The form is productive in everyday speech, in literature, and in signage when a speaker references a specific, previously identified location.

See also: Icelandic language; Place (concept).