sverð
neuter
The Old Norse word for sword is sverð. Wiktionary also lists mækir.
Meaning: weapon (noun)
Ways to say it
| Old Norse | Note |
|---|---|
| sverð | neuter |
| mækir | masculine |
The term refers to a sword as a weapon.
Which one should you use?
The language provides two forms for this noun: mækir, which is masculine and sverð, which is neuter.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form sverð is a neuter noun, meaning it takes neuter adjectives and pronouns in agreement.
Did you know?
- In Old Norse poetry, the word sverð was often replaced by 'kennings', such as 'worm of the wound' or 'ice of battle'.
- While sverð is the standard term, the masculine form mækir provides a distinct way to categorize the weapon in poetic or formal contexts.
- The word sverð is a close linguistic relative of the English word 'sword', sharing the same Proto-Germanic ancestor.
Examples in context
- Þetta er gott sverð.This is a good sword.This sentence is useful for identifying a good sverð.Tatoeba #12431220 by Barend, translation #12431221 by Barend
- Sverð minn er líf mitt.My sword is my life.This sentence illustrates a personal connection between a person and their sverð.Tatoeba #5304369 by Abcormal, translation #5290763 by Abcormal
- Þetta er sverð.This is a sword.
- Hann tók sverðið.He took the sword.
- Gefðu mér sverðið.Give me the sword.
- Viljið þér sjá minn brand?Do you want to see my sword?
- Þú hefir tapað þínum brandi.You have lost your sword.
- Þetta sverð er hvasst.This sword is sharp.
Example conversation
Two warriors are preparing for a journey.
- GunnhildÍvarr, hefir þú sverð þitt?Ivar, do you have your sword?
- IvarJá, Gunnhild, ek hefi þat hér.Yes, Gunnhild, I have it here.
- GunnhildSverð þitt sýnisk sterkt.Your sword looks strong.
- IvarÞökk fyrir, vinr minn.Thank you, my friend.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sword” translations and entries sverð, mækir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mækir, sverð, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
