Definite Article
The definite article always uses the same number of "n" which means that it doesn't matter whether it's added as a suffix to the word or written as a separate word.
Example:
- Separate word: Hin skemmtilega kona. - "The funny woman"
- Suffixed: Skemmtilega konan.
Example:
- Separate word: Hinn hávaxni maður. - "The tall man"
- Suffixed: Hávaxni maðurinn.
Two "n" are used whenever a possessive pronoun has got "i" (minni, minnar, minn, minna..).
One "n" is used whenever a possessive pronoun has got' 'í' (mínum, míns, mína, mín..).
The number of "n" in a possessive pronoun always corresponds to the number of "n" of the definite article of the same form:
Example:
- Hesturinn. → Minn hestur. - "The horse" → "My horse" (Nom. Sg. Masc.)
- Hestinum. → Mínum hesti. - "To the horse" → "To my horse" (Dat. Sg. Masc.)
- Ákvarðananna. → Minna ákvarðana. - "Of the choices" → "Of my choices" (Gen. Pl. Fem.)
Read more about this topic: N-rule
Famous quotes containing the words definite and/or article:
“In case I conk out, this is provisionally what I have to do: I must clarify obscurities; I must make clearer definite ideas or dissociations. I must find a verbal formula to combat the rise of brutality—the principle of order versus the split atom.”
—Ezra Pound (1885–1972)
“In this great association we know no North, no South, no East, no West. This has been our pride for all these years. We have no political party. We never have inquired what anybody’s religion is. All we ever have asked is simply, “Do you believe in perfect equality for women?” This is the one article in our creed.”
—Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906)