viðfangsefnum

Viðfangsefnum is the dative plural form of the Icelandic noun viðfangsefni. The term itself denotes matters to be dealt with, tasks, subjects, or topics. It is used primarily in formal or administrative language and appears in education, research, policy, and business contexts to refer to items that require attention or action.

Etymology and meaning: viðfangsefni is a compound built from við- (toward, facing) and fangsefni (things to be caught, matters), with sefni meaning matter or substance. The sense is roughly “matters to be faced.” The form viðfangsefnum, as the dative plural, appears in sentences where the noun is governed by a dative construction or a verb or preposition that requires the dative.

Grammar: The noun viðfangsefni is neuter. In common usage, the nominative and accusative plural is viðfangsefni, while the dative plural isviðfangsefnum, and the genitive plural is viðfangsefna. This pattern is typical for many Icelandic neuter nouns, though actual usage may vary with style and register.

Usage: The term is applied when discussing topics or tasks that an organization or individual must address. It appears in project planning, program design, policy documents, academic writing, and reporting. The focus is on identifying, organizing, and addressing the specific matters at hand, often in lists, plans, or analyses that structure work or inquiry around distinct viðfangsefni.

See also: verkefni (tasks or projects), málefni (matters/issues), efni (content/materials). The word conveys a purposeful framing of work around discrete matters to be considered or resolved.