Indefinite Pronouns (Óákveðin fornöfn) in Icelandic
Indefinite pronouns answer questions like "How many?" (All, Some, None) or "Which ones?" (Both, Either, Each). The tables provided allow us to break them down into three master rules to save you time.
Rule 1: The Pattern (Green & Yellow)
If you look at the tables for Allur, Sumur, Einhver, and even Hver, you will see a recurring pattern in the endings labeled in Green and Yellow.
Instead of memorizing every single box, memorize the links:
The Green (kvk. nf. et. = hk. ft.)
In almost every table, the Feminine Singular Nominative (kvk. nf. et.) is identical to the Neuter Plural (hk. ft.).
The Yellow (kvk. þf. et. = kk. þf. ft.)
There is a frequent crossover between the Feminine Singular Accusative (kvk. þf. et.) and the Masculine Plural Accusative (kk. þf. ft.).
Rule 2: The "Red Text" Shortcuts
The tables highlight specific endings in red. These are your "anchors." No matter how weird the word looks, these endings tend to stick.
Note: Be careful with Enginn (None). It shifts slightly to Engri, Engrar, and Engra (dropping the double n).
Rule 3: The "J" Insertion (Hver vs. Hvor)
Learners often confuse Hver (Who/Each) and Hvor (Which of two). The table provides a specific footnote rule to tell them apart:
"bara einhver og hver eiga j-innskot" (only einhver and hver have j-insertion).
This means when you pluralize them, Hver gets a "j" but Hvor does not.
- Hver (Who/Each): Hver → Hverjir (M), Hverjar (F), Hverju (N).
- Hvor (Which of 2): Hvor → Hvorir (M), Hvorar (F), Hvoru (N).
The Special Cases
1. Báðir (Both)
You will notice the singular column for Báðir is crossed out with a big "X".
Why? You cannot have "both" of a single thing. It exists only in the plural.
Watch out for: The Genitive form is irregular. It is not -ra, but Beggja.
2. Enginn (No one / None)
This is arguably the hardest one. It refuses to follow the standard pattern in the Accusative Masculine Singular.
- Standard (Allur): Allan
- Negative (Enginn): Engan (Note: distinct from the Nominative Enginn).
- Neuter Singular: Ekkert (This changes completely!).
3. Eitthvað / Nokkuð
when you use these words without a noun (standing alone), you use the specific forms eitthvað (something) or nokkuð (somewhat/anything).
If you use them with a noun, you use the gendered forms from the table (Einhver bíll, Nokkur vandamál).
Learn More
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Photo by David Matos
