What Are Subordinate Clauses?
A subordinate clause, also known as a dependent clause, is a part of a sentence that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It provides additional information to the main clause and is usually introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as “because,” “if,” “when,” or “that.” In Icelandic, these conjunctions include words like að (that), ef (if), þegar (when), and af því að (because).
Basic Word Order in Icelandic Main Clauses
Before diving into subordinate clauses, let’s quickly review the basic word order in Icelandic main clauses. Icelandic usually follows a V2 word order, meaning the verb typically comes in the second position:
- Ég borða epli. (I eat apples.)
- Í dag borða ég epli. (Today, I eat apples.)
Here, the verb borða (eat) comes second, regardless of what comes first in the sentence.
Word Order in Subordinate Clauses
Unlike main clauses, subordinate clauses in Icelandic do not follow the V2 rule. Instead, the word order shifts to a subject–verb–object (SVO) structure, similar to English declarative sentences. The subordinating conjunction comes first, followed by the subject, then the verb, and finally the object or complement.
Example:
- Main clause: Ég veit þetta. (I know this.)
- Subordinate clause: Ég veit að hann borðar epli. (I know that he eats apples.)
Notice how in the subordinate clause, the verb borðar (eats) comes after the subject hann (he), not in the second position.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions in Icelandic
To form subordinate clauses, you’ll need to use subordinating conjunctions. Here are a few of the most common ones:
- að – that
- ef – if
- þegar – when
- af því að – because
- sem – who/which/that (relative pronoun)
Examples of Word Order in Subordinate Clauses
Let’s look at more examples to clarify how the word order works in subordinate clauses:
- Ég veit að hún kemur seinna. (I know that she is coming later.)
- Hann spurði hvort þú gætir hjálpað. (He asked if you could help.)
- Við förum þegar veðrið er gott. (We go when the weather is good.)
- Hún verður glöð af því að þú komst. (She is happy because you came.)
In each example, the subject directly follows the conjunction, followed by the verb.
Exceptions and Special Cases
While the SVO order is standard, certain adverbials or negative words might appear before the verb. However, the verb never moves to the second position as in main clauses. This is an important distinction that learners often overlook. For instance:
- Ég veit að hann aldrei gleymir afmælinu mínu. (I know that he never forgets my birthday.)
Here, the adverb aldrei (never) comes before the verb gleymir (forgets), but the verb still does not move to the second position.
Tips for Mastering Subordinate Clauses in Icelandic
- Practice identifying subordinate clauses in Icelandic texts. Look for conjunctions and observe the word order.
- Create your own sentences using different subordinating conjunctions and check the order of subject and verb.
- Use tools like Talkpal to get instant feedback on your sentences and improve your understanding of Icelandic syntax.
- Listen to native speakers and pay attention to how they structure subordinate clauses in everyday conversation.
Conclusion
Understanding the word order in subordinate clauses is essential for forming accurate and natural-sounding sentences in Icelandic. Remember that, unlike main clauses, subordinate clauses follow a subject–verb–object structure, with the verb never taking the second position. Practice regularly and use language learning resources like Talkpal to reinforce your skills. With dedication and the right strategies, you’ll soon be able to master Icelandic subordinate clauses with ease.
