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How to Form Questions in Swedish: A Complete Guide

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Understanding the Basics of Swedish Questions

In Swedish, forming questions involves simple structure changes and the use of specific question words. Let's dive into the basic grammar rules and how intonation can alter meaning based on context.

Question Words in Swedish

Swedish uses several key question words, similar to English. Here's a list of the most common ones:

  • vad: what
  • vem: who
  • var: where
  • när: when
  • varför: why
  • hur: how
  • vilken/vilket/vilka: which

Forming Yes/No Questions

To form a yes/no question in Swedish, use the verb-subject inversion method, where you place the verb before the subject. For example:

  • Kommer du?

    Are you coming?

  • Vill du ha kaffe?

    Do you want coffee?

Using Question Words

When using question words, structure your sentence by placing the question word first, followed by the verb and then the subject. For example:

  • Vad gör du?

    What are you doing?

  • Varför åker vi?

    Why are we leaving?

Indirect Questions

Indirect questions are used in much the same way as in English, often introducing them with phrases like jag undrar (I wonder) or kan du säga (can you tell). For example:

  • Jag undrar var hon bor.

    I wonder where she lives.

  • Kan du säga vad klockan är?

    Can you tell me what time it is?

Further Reading

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How to Form Questions in Swedish: A Complete Guide - Pronuncia