Genitive Objects in Formal Style
Þeir kröfðust hærri launa. (They demanded higher wages.) Leitið læknis ef einkennin versna. (See a doctor if the symptoms get worse.)
How It Works
Formal verb, genitive object. Official letters, instructions, news and laws use verbs like these. The everyday choice is on the right:
- krefjast hærri launa (demand higher wages) → everyday heimta hærri laun
- leita læknis (see a doctor) → everyday fara til læknis
- vænta svars (expect a reply) → everyday búast við svari
- bíða dóms or bíða svars (await a verdict or a reply) → everyday bíða eftir dómi, bíða eftir svari
- gæta varúðar (take care) → everyday fara varlega
- neyta áfengis (consume alcohol) → everyday drekka áfengi
Not every genitive verb is formal. Some verbs always take the genitive, in any style: sakna (miss), njóta (enjoy), óska (wish). See genitive verbs.
Where you meet them. Medicine leaflets (Leitið læknis …), safety notices (Gæta skal fyllstu varúðar) and regulations. They also give text the nominal style of formal writing.
Choosing. In conversation, the everyday verb with a preposition sounds natural. In a formal letter, the genitive verb fits better. Either way, keep the case the verb needs.
Examples (6)
- Þeir kröfðust hærri launa.
They demanded higher wages.
Word by Word: They demanded higher wages(GEN).
- Leitið læknis ef einkennin versna.
See a doctor if the symptoms get worse.
Word by Word: Seek doctor(GEN) if the-symptoms worsen.
A typical line from a medicine leaflet.
- Við væntum svars sem fyrst.
We look forward to a reply as soon as possible.
Word by Word: We expect answer(GEN) as first.
- Málið bíður dóms.
The case is awaiting a verdict.
Word by Word: The-case awaits verdict(GEN).
- Gæta skal fyllstu varúðar.
The greatest care must be taken.
Word by Word: Guard shall fullest caution(GEN).
- Ekki má neyta áfengis á svæðinu.
Alcohol may not be consumed in the area.
Word by Word: Not may consume alcohol(GEN) on the-area.
Common Mistakes
Putting the object of krefjast in the accusative.
Þeir kröfðust hærri laun.Þeir kröfðust hærri launa.krefjast takes a genitive object: launa, not laun.
Using the accusative after vænta.
Við væntum svar sem fyrst.Við væntum svars sem fyrst.vænta takes a genitive object: svars.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Formal genitive objects build on genitive verbs and registers.
Related Patterns
- The Genitive (eignarfall)
The objects here are in the genitive.
Level 2 - Verbs With Fixed Prepositions
Everyday speech often uses a verb with a preposition instead.
Level 3 - Nominal and Verbal Style
Genitive objects often appear in noun-heavy formal writing.
Level 5 - Rules and Regulations (skal, ber)
Rules and notices combine skal with genitive verbs: Gæta skal varúðar.
Level 6
Words in This Pattern
Practice Genitive Objects in Formal Style in Bubblegum
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