þettan

þettan is a grammatical term originating from Old Norse, referring to a specific type of demonstrative pronoun. It functions similarly to "this" or "that" in modern English, but with a distinct grammatical structure. In Old Norse, þettan was the neuter accusative singular form of the demonstrative pronoun *þessi* (this). Its usage was crucial in indicating a specific object or concept of neuter gender in the accusative case, which is the direct object of a verb.

The existence and function of þettan highlight the complex grammatical system of Old Norse, which involved detailed declensions for pronouns based on gender, number, and case. Understanding þettan is essential for scholars and students of Old Norse literature and linguistics, as it directly impacts the interpretation of sentence structure and meaning. While the direct form þettan is specific to Old Norse, the concept of demonstrative pronouns and their inflectional variations exists across many Indo-European languages, illustrating a shared linguistic heritage. The study of such specific grammatical forms provides insights into the evolution of language and the nuances of historical grammar.