Understanding the Passive in Swedish Grammar

An Overview of Passive Voice in Swedish

Passive voice is a fundamental aspect of Swedish grammar, providing a different perspective on actions conveyed in sentences. While active voice focuses on the subject carrying out an action, passive voice emphasizes the recipient of that action. In Swedish, the passive voice is versatile, with several constructions available for conveying passive meanings.

Swedish Passive Constructions

To address passive voice in Swedish grammar, one must consider the various forms and structures that facilitate it. Below are the primary constructions used to express passive:

S- Passive

In this construction, verbs take the “-s” suffix, essentially transforming them into passive form. This form usually corresponds to English passive verbs ending in “-ed.” It is essential to note that some Swedish verbs do not have an S-passive equivalent.

Example:
Aktiv: Han öppnar dörren. (Active: He opens the door.)
Passiv: Dörren öppnas. (Passive: The door is opened.)

Bli- Passive

The auxiliary verb “bli” is another method to form passive sentences, with it being utilized in conjunction with the past participle of the main verb. This is often used for temporary or ongoing actions, and its English equivalent is the “to be” construction.

Example:
Aktiv: Hon skriver en bok. (Active: She writes a book.)
Passiv: Boken blir skriven. (Passive: The book is being written.)

Vara- Passive

Similar to the bli-passive, the vara-passive incorporates “vara” as the auxiliary verb, coupled with the past participle of the main verb. This construction emphasizes the state or result of the action more than the action itself. It correlates with the English “to have been” form.

Example:
Aktiv: De har byggt huset. (Active: They have built the house.)
Passiv: Huset är byggt. (Passive: The house has been built.)

Additional Passive Forms in Swedish

Aside from the primary passive constructions, Swedish grammar also embraces additional forms to convey a passive meaning. The following are noteworthy alternatives:

Reflexive Pronouns

Swedish reflexive pronouns, such as “sig” (himself/herself/itself/themselves), can convey passive meaning. However, this form does not align with the English passive structure.

Example:
Aktiv: Barnen leker. (Active: The children play.)
Passiv: Barnen leker sig trötta. (Passive: The children play themselves tired.)

Impersonal Passive

The impersonal passive emerges when “det” serves as the subject, followed by the verb in the present tense, then “att” and an infinitive verb. Although uncommon, this form still holds value.

Example:
Aktiv: Polisen stoppar bilen. (Active: The police stop the car.)
Passiv: Det stoppas att köra bil. (Passive: It is stopped to drive a car.)

Usage of Passive Voice in Swedish

The use of passive voice in Swedish is similar to its application in English, granting clearer, more concise expression. It plays a critical role in establishing the focus of a sentence on the object while downplaying the importance of the subject. Additionally, it is effective for hiding or omitting the subject of a sentence, particularly if the instigator of the action is not relevant or unknown.

In conclusion, understanding passive voice in Swedish grammar involves familiarizing oneself with various constructions and forms. Whether navigating the S-passive, bli-passive, vara-passive, or alternative passive forms, mastering passive voice in Swedish leads to more precise and expressive communication.