viðurkennið

Viðurkennið is an Icelandic definite article, equivalent to "the" in English. It is attached as a suffix to the end of a noun. The form of viðurkennið varies depending on the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies. For masculine nouns, it can be -inn, -a, or -um. For feminine nouns, it can be -in, -ar, or -um. For neuter nouns, it can be -ið, -a, or -um. For example, the masculine noun "hestur" (horse) becomes "hesturinn" (the horse) in the nominative singular. The feminine noun "kona" (woman) becomes "konan" (the woman) in the nominative singular. The neuter noun "hús" (house) becomes "húsið" (the house) in the nominative singular.

In plural forms, the definite article also changes. For masculine plural nouns, it can be -arnir, -anna, or -unum. For feminine plural nouns, it can be -nar, -nna, or -nunum. For neuter plural nouns, it can be -u, -anna, or -unum. For instance, "hestar" (horses) becomes "hestarnir" (the horses) in the nominative plural. "Konur" (women) becomes "konurnar" (the women) in the nominative plural. "Hús" (houses) becomes "húsin" (the houses) in the nominative plural.

The use of viðurkennið is mandatory in Icelandic when referring to a specific or already known entity, distinguishing it from indefinite articles. Its presence is a defining characteristic of Icelandic grammar and differentiates it from languages like Swedish or Danish, which use separate definite articles placed before the noun. Understanding the declension of viðurkennið is crucial for correct Icelandic usage.