Introduction to Relative Clauses in Swedish Grammar

Relative clauses are an integral part of the Swedish language and play a crucial role in both written and spoken communication. In this article, we delve deeper into the fascinating world of relative clauses in Swedish grammar, exploring their various forms, functions, and the rules you need to follow to construct them correctly.

Defining Swedish Relative Clauses

In Swedish, a relative clause is a dependent clause that provides additional information about the noun it modifies. These clauses typically start with a relative pronoun, such as ‘som,’ ‘vilken,’ or ‘vars,’ and often function as adjectives, offering extra details about the main subject of the sentence.

Understanding Swedish Relative Pronouns

The cornerstone of Swedish relative clauses, relative pronouns serve to link the clause to the noun it modifies. In Swedish, the most common relative pronouns are:

1. som: used to refer to both people and things, and applicable to both subject and object functions.
2. vilken, vilket, vilka: these pronouns vary with the gender and number of the noun they refer to, and are often used to provide a more specific relationship between the noun and the relative clause.
3. vars: used to indicate possession, comparable to the English ‘whose.’

Let’s look at examples of how these pronouns are employed in Swedish relative clauses:

– Han köpte en bok som handlade om insekter. (He bought a book that was about insects.)
– Den film vilken vi såg igår var utmärkt. (The movie which we watched yesterday was excellent.)
– Flickan vars cykel blev stulen är ledsen. (The girl whose bike was stolen is sad.)

Constructing Swedish Relative Clauses

To construct a relative clause in Swedish, the following steps will guide you:

1. Identify the noun: Determine the noun that the relative clause will modify.
2. Select the appropriate relative pronoun: Choose the suitable pronoun based on the noun’s characteristics and the desired relationship between the noun and relative clause.
3. Form the clause: Construct the dependent clause using the selected relative pronoun as the starting point.

Remember that word order is important when forming relative clauses in Swedish:

– Subject-Verb-Object: In a case where the relative pronoun serves as the subject of the clause, the main verb appears immediately after the pronoun, followed by the object.
– Object-Subject-Verb: If the relative pronoun functions as the object of the clause, the subject appears before the main verb.

Usage of Prepositions in Swedish Relative Clauses

In Swedish, prepositions can be placed either at the beginning or end of a relative clause:

– Han bor i huset som jag bodde i tidigare. (He lives in the house that I lived in before.)
– Han bor i huset i vilket jag bodde tidigare. (He lives in the house in which I lived before.)

Although both structures are acceptable, placing the preposition at the end is more common in spoken Swedish, while placing it at the beginning lends a more formal tone.

Mastering Relative Clauses in Swedish Grammar

Relative clauses are fundamental to establishing clear, detailed, and engaging communication in Swedish. By understanding the different types of relative pronouns and following the guidelines for constructing relative clauses, you can greatly enhance your Swedish language skills and make your writing even more compelling.