Learn Hardcore Swedish: Jag är ensam hemma.

In Swedish, "hemma" functions as an adverb that means "at home." Unlike English, which uses a prepositional phrase ("at home"), Swedish incorporates the location directly into the adverb. This is why no additional preposition is needed.

How does the adjective "ensam" function in this sentence?

"Ensam" is a predicate adjective following the linking verb "är" (am). In Swedish, when an adjective is used predicatively (after the verb), it does not need to agree in gender or number with the subject. Thus, "ensam" remains unchanged and simply means "alone."

Is the word order in "Jag är ensam hemma." similar to that in English?

Yes, the word order is quite similar. The sentence starts with the subject "Jag" (I), followed by the verb "är" (am), and concludes with the predicate "ensam hemma" (alone at home). This mirrors the English structure of subject–verb–complement.

Can this sentence structure be used with other adjectives or adverbs to describe one’s state or location?

Absolutely. Swedish commonly places adjectives and adverbs after the linking verb in simple statements. For example, "Jag är glad hemma." means "I am happy at home." Just remember that when used predicatively, adjectives like "glad" remain uninflected.

What are some key differences in how location is expressed in Swedish compared to English?

One major difference is that Swedish often uses single adverbs such as "hemma" to express location without an accompanying preposition. In English, a preposition like "at" is necessary ("at home"). Additionally, Swedish typically places these adverbs at the end of a sentence, which might differ from English phrasing in more complex sentences.