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Questions & Answers about Jag letar efter postnumret.
Why is the verb leta used with the preposition efter?
Leta is intransitive in Swedish, so it cannot take a direct object by itself. You must add efter to introduce what you’re looking for. Leta efter literally means “to look for” or “to search for.”
Could I drop efter and still make sense?
Not with leta. If you drop efter, you need a transitive verb like söka:
• Jag söker postnumret. (“I’m searching for the postal code.”)
Why is postnumret in the definite form instead of postnummer?
Swedish marks definite nouns by adding a suffix. Postnummer is a neuter noun (ett-word), so its definite form is postnumret. You use the definite form here because you’re referring to a specific code (“the postal code”).
What gender is postnummer and how can I tell?
Postnummer is a neuter (ett-word). You’ll often see compounds inherit the gender of their head noun; here nummer is also an ett-word. Indefinite: ett postnummer. Definite: postnumret.
Why is postnummer one word instead of two words like in English?
Swedish forms compound nouns by combining words without spaces. Postnummer = post + nummer (“postal number”).
How do you form a question from Jag letar efter postnumret?
Invert the verb and subject. No auxiliary verb is needed:
• Letar du efter postnumret? or with söka: Söker du postnumret?
Why isn’t there a separate continuous tense (like “am looking”)?
Swedish uses the simple present tense for both habitual and ongoing actions. Jag letar can mean “I look” or “I am looking.” No separate gerund or progressive form exists.
Can I use another preposition with leta, for example “i” or “på”?
No. Leta pairs specifically with efter. Using another preposition would be incorrect or change the meaning entirely.