hvenær — meaning in English: when

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for when

nálægt

samhengi

hvenær

Föstudagur

ganga

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Icelandic for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'hvenær' in everyday conversations when asking about time-related matters, such as planning events or making appointments. For example, one might say, 'Hvenær kemurðu heim?' meaning 'When are you coming home?' It's also common in formal contexts, like scheduling meetings or discussing deadlines.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'hvenær' is the standard way to ask 'when,' another phrase, 'hvenær í tímann,' can be used for more specific inquiries about time, often in contexts requiring clarification, like 'When in time did that happen?' Choosing 'hvenær' is more common in casual conversation.

Culture

'Hvenær' has roots in Old Norse, reflecting the rich history of the Icelandic language. Interestingly, the concept of time in Icelandic culture is closely tied to nature's rhythms, which can influence how and when questions are posed. This connection adds depth to everyday conversations about time, making 'hvenær' not just a question of when, but also a bridge to understanding local customs.

FAQ

Q.What does 'hvenær' mean in English?

'Hvenær' translates to 'when' in English, used to inquire about the time something happens.

Q.How do you use 'hvenær' in a sentence?

You can use 'hvenær' to ask questions like, 'Hvenær ferðu í frí?' which means 'When are you going on vacation?'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'hvenær'?

A common mistake is confusing 'hvenær' with 'hvað' (what). Remember, 'hvenær' specifically refers to time, while 'hvað' is used for other inquiries.

Learn icelandic with Maspeak →

Icelandic Vocabulary