þolfall

Þolfall is the Icelandic term for the accusative case. It marks the direct object of transitive verbs and, in some constructions, other parts of a sentence that function as objects. Icelandic uses a four-case system: nefnifall (nominative), þolfall (accusative), þágufall (dative), and eignarfall (genitive). Nouns, adjectives, and pronouns inflect for number and gender, and the form of the word in þolfall depends on these factors as well as definiteness.

Definiteness is expressed with suffixes in Icelandic, and this interacts with case endings. The accusative form of a noun can therefore differ from its other forms depending on whether the noun is definite or indefinite, and on its gender and declension. An example illustrating the role of þolfall is the sentence: Ég drekk vatn, meaning “I drink water.” Here vatn is the direct object in the accusative. Pronouns also have accusative forms when used as direct objects.

Historically, the term derives from Old Norse, and the four-case system reflects its Germanic origins. In modern Icelandic, the þolfall remains essential for correct syntax, determining which noun is the object and guiding agreement between nouns, adjectives, and determiners. The concept is central to understanding Icelandic grammar and its inflectional nature.