Learning Icelandic can be an exhilarating journey, but mastering its conditional sentences can seem daunting. In English, we distinguish between real and unreal conditionals relatively clearly, but how does this translate into Icelandic? This article aims to demystify real and irreal (unreal) conditionals in the Icelandic language, providing you with the tools to understand and use them effectively.
Understanding Conditionals
Conditionals are sentences that describe possible situations and their outcomes. In both English and Icelandic, conditionals are divided into two main types: real (or factual) conditionals and irreal (unreal) conditionals.
Real conditionals describe situations that are possible or likely to happen. They often refer to present or future events. For example, in English, a real conditional might be: “If it rains, we will stay indoors.”
Irreal conditionals describe hypothetical or imaginary situations that are unlikely or impossible. These often refer to past or present unrealities. For example, in English, an irreal conditional might be: “If I were rich, I would travel the world.”
Real Conditionals in Icelandic
In Icelandic, real conditionals are typically constructed using the present tense in both the “if” clause (protasis) and the main clause (apodosis). Just as in English, these sentences convey situations that are likely or possible.
Structure of Real Conditionals:
– Protasis (if clause) + apodosis (main clause)
Example:
Ef þú ferð í sundlaugina, munt þú synda.
(If you go to the swimming pool, you will swim.)
In this example:
– “Ef þú ferð í sundlaugina” (If you go to the swimming pool) is the protasis.
– “munt þú synda” (you will swim) is the apodosis.
Present Simple Tense:
The present simple tense is commonly used to form real conditionals. Here are a few more examples:
– Ef ég borða þetta epli, verð ég saddur.
(If I eat this apple, I will be full.)
– Ef þú lærir íslensku, munt þú tala betur.
(If you study Icelandic, you will speak better.)
Present Continuous Tense:
Although less common, the present continuous tense can also be employed in real conditionals:
– Ef ég er að lesa bók, truflaðu mig ekki.
(If I am reading a book, do not disturb me.)
Irreal Conditionals in Icelandic
Irreal conditionals in Icelandic express hypothetical situations, often using the past tense forms to indicate that the situation is not real. These sentences describe actions or events that did not happen or are unlikely to happen.
Structure of Irreal Conditionals:
– Protasis (if clause) + apodosis (main clause)
The protasis often uses the past subjunctive, while the apodosis can use the conditional mood.
Example:
Ef ég væri ríkur, mundi ég ferðast um heiminn.
(If I were rich, I would travel the world.)
In this example:
– “Ef ég væri ríkur” (If I were rich) is the protasis.
– “mundi ég ferðast um heiminn” (I would travel the world) is the apodosis.
Past Subjunctive:
The past subjunctive is essential for forming the protasis in irreal conditionals. Here are a few more examples:
– Ef ég hefði tíma, mundi ég læra meira íslensku.
(If I had time, I would study more Icelandic.)
– Ef hann væri hér, mundi hann hjálpa okkur.
(If he were here, he would help us.)
Past Perfect Subjunctive:
For events that did not happen in the past, the past perfect subjunctive is used in the protasis:
– Ef ég hefði vitað þetta, hefði ég komið fyrr.
(If I had known this, I would have come earlier.)
– Ef hún hefði séð myndina, hefði hún skilið.
(If she had seen the movie, she would have understood.)
Mixed Conditionals in Icelandic
Mixed conditionals occur when the time in the protasis and the apodosis do not match. These sentences often combine a past hypothetical situation with a present result or vice versa.
Example:
Ef ég hefði unnið í gær, væri ég núna heima.
(If I had worked yesterday, I would be at home now.)
In this example:
– “Ef ég hefði unnið í gær” (If I had worked yesterday) is the protasis.
– “væri ég núna heima” (I would be at home now) is the apodosis.
Another example:
– Ef hann væri ekki veikur, hefði hann komið í skólann.
(If he were not sick, he would have come to school.)
In this example:
– “Ef hann væri ekki veikur” (If he were not sick) is the protasis.
– “hefði hann komið í skólann” (he would have come to school) is the apodosis.
Special Cases and Idiomatic Expressions
Like any language, Icelandic has special cases and idiomatic expressions that do not always follow the standard rules.
Example:
– Ef ég væri þú, myndi ég gera það.
(If I were you, I would do it.)
This sentence uses “væri” (were) instead of “hefði verið” (had been) to convey a hypothetical situation in the present.
Another Example:
– Ef þú værir konungur, hvað myndir þú gera?
(If you were king, what would you do?)
Idiomatic expressions and fixed phrases can also deviate from the norms, so it’s essential to learn them as you encounter them in conversation or writing.
Practice Makes Perfect
As with any aspect of language learning, practice is crucial. Here are some exercises to help you master real and irreal conditionals in Icelandic:
Exercise 1: Complete the Sentences
Complete the following sentences with the appropriate form of the verb in brackets:
1. Ef ég (vera) __________ ríkur, mundi ég kaupa hús.
2. Ef þú (hafa) __________ tíma, myndir þú koma?
3. Ef hann (vera) __________ hér, mundi hann hjálpa okkur.
4. Ef ég (geta) __________ ferðast, mundi ég fara til Íslands.
Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences
Translate the following sentences from English to Icelandic:
1. If I had known, I would have told you.
2. If she were here, she would help us.
3. If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
4. If they had seen the movie, they would have understood.
Conclusion
Understanding and using real and irreal conditionals in Icelandic can significantly enhance your ability to communicate complex ideas and hypothetical scenarios. By familiarizing yourself with the structures and practicing regularly, you will gain confidence and proficiency in this aspect of the language.
Remember, the key to mastering any language is consistent practice and exposure. Engage with native speakers, read Icelandic texts, and immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. With time and effort, you will become adept at using real and irreal conditionals in Icelandic, opening up new avenues for expression and understanding.
Happy learning!
