Learning Icelandic can be a fascinating journey, especially when you delve into the nuances of its vocabulary. Two words that often cause confusion for learners are þar and þegar. Both words are essential for everyday conversation, but they serve different purposes and are used in different contexts. In this article, we will explore the meanings, uses, and differences between these two words, providing examples to help clarify their usage.

Þar

Þar translates to “there” in English. It is used to refer to a place, position, or situation that is already known or has been mentioned. It is a straightforward word, but understanding its use can significantly improve your Icelandic communication skills.

Þar
Indicates a specific place, position, or situation.
Hann býr þar í Reykjavík.

In the example above, þar refers to Reykjavík, a place that both the speaker and listener are aware of.

Þarna
Similar to þar, but often used to point out a location that is within sight or being indicated.
Húsið er þarna við hornið.

Þar also has several related forms that can be useful to know:

Þar sem
Means “where” or “whereas,” used to introduce a relative clause.
Ég veit þar sem hann býr.

Þar með
Means “therewith” or “thereby,” used to indicate that something has been completed or concluded.
Hann samþykkti skilmálana og þar með var málið leyst.

Þar af
Means “thereof” or “of that,” often used in a more formal context.
Hann fékk 10.000 krónur, þar af voru 5.000 krónur gjöf.

Understanding these variations will help you use þar more accurately and effectively in various contexts.

Þegar

Þegar translates to “when” in English. It is used to indicate a point in time, similar to the English word “when.” This word is crucial for discussing events, schedules, and sequences in Icelandic.

Þegar
Indicates a specific time or event.
Við förum þegar hann kemur.

In the example above, þegar indicates the time at which “we go,” which is “when he comes.”

Þegar can also be used in various contexts to specify different time-related scenarios:

Þegar + past tense
Used to describe something that happened in the past when another event occurred.
Ég var að borða þegar þú hringdir.

Þegar + future tense
Used to describe something that will happen in the future when another event occurs.
Ég mun klára verkefnið þegar ég kem heim.

Þegar + conditional
Used to describe a hypothetical situation.
Þegar þú hefur tíma, skaltu lesa þessa bók.

Comparing Þar and Þegar

While þar and þegar might seem similar because they can both relate to points in time or situations, their uses are distinct and should not be confused.

Þar focuses on the location or situation. It is more about “where” something is or happens.
Þegar focuses on the timing of an event. It is more about “when” something occurs.

Let’s look at some comparative examples to solidify the differences:

Þar
Hann var þar þegar ég kom.

This sentence means “He was there when I arrived.” Here, þar refers to a specific location that is known to both the speaker and listener.

Þegar
Ég kom þegar hann var þar.

This sentence means “I arrived when he was there.” Here, þegar refers to the timing of the event.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Learning a new language always comes with its share of mistakes. Here are some common mistakes learners make when using þar and þegar, along with tips to avoid them:

Confusing Location with Time
Many learners mix up þar and þegar because they both relate to events. Remember, þar is about “where” and þegar is about “when.”
Ég mun hitta þig þar. (Incorrect)
Ég mun hitta þig þegar þú kemur. (Correct)

Using the Wrong Tense
Þegar often requires careful attention to verb tenses. Make sure the tense matches the timing of the event.
Ég mun komast þegar ég kom. (Incorrect)
Ég mun komast þegar ég kem. (Correct)

Forgetting Context
Context is crucial in Icelandic. Ensure you provide enough context for the listener to understand whether you’re talking about location or time.
Við munum sjá þar. (Incomplete)
Við munum sjá þar í bíóinu. (Complete)

Practice Exercises

To help you master the use of þar and þegar, here are some practice exercises. Try to fill in the blanks with the correct word:

1. Við hittumst _____ klukkan sjö.
2. Hann býr _____ í litla húsinu.
3. Ég mun byrja _____ þú ert tilbúinn.
4. _____ sem ég kom, byrjaði það að rigna.
5. Við förum _____ hann kemur.

Answers:

1. þegar
2. þar
3. þegar
4. Þar
5. þegar

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between þar and þegar is essential for mastering Icelandic. These words are not interchangeable, and using them correctly will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively.

Remember, þar is about location or situation, while þegar is about timing. Practice using these words in different contexts, and soon, their distinctions will become second nature to you.

Happy learning!