You might think the title of this node is a bit odd, but it is actually a
perfectly good sentence in Norwegian ... and Danish (thanks, liveforever) ... and in Swedish as well, but then spelled "är det det det är" (thanks, achtung man)
Er det det det er? means "Is that what it is?
Broken down to it's elements:
"Er det" is an introduction leading to a question: "Is it...."
the second "det" refers to "it" (Is it it)
The third "det" refers to the original object that is enquired
about
The sentence "Er det det det er?" is mostly used in an affirmative
way, with the second det stressed. In this case, it is usually used about
a question that has been nagging you for a long time. When you finally get
the answer, "Er det det det er?" expresses sort of a relieved request
for final confirmation.
It might be worth noting that this sentence isn't just a grammatical oddity - it is actually in regular use.
i.e:
- Hvorfor er alle disse menneskene i gatene? (Why are all these people in the
streets?)
- Det er 17. mai - nationaldagen! (It's the 17th of may - the national day of
Norway!)
- Er det det det er? (is that what it is?)
- ...