Learn Hardcore Swedish: Vi diskar ofta tillsammans, annars tar det för lång tid. - We often do the dishes together, otherwise it takes too long.

Swedish main clauses follow the V2 (verb-second) rule. When something other than the subject starts the clause—here the connector annars—the finite verb must be in second position. So we get Annars tar det …, not Annars det tar …. If the clause starts with the subject, it’s Det tar ….

What does det refer to in tar det?

Here det is a dummy/expletive subject. Swedish likes a subject even when English wouldn’t use one. In time expressions like Det tar (tid), det doesn’t point to a specific noun; it refers to the whole situation (the act of washing the dishes). Compare other impersonal uses: Det regnar, Det är sent, Det tar en timme.

Why is it för lång tid and not för länge?

Use a time-noun with ta: Det tar lång tid / två timmar / för lång tid.
Use the adverb länge with verbs like dröja or vänta: Det dröjer för länge. Saying Det tar för länge is unidiomatic; say Det tar för lång tid.

Is Det tar en lång tid correct?

Normally no. With tid in this construction, Swedish prefers no article: Det tar lång tid. If you want an article, another common noun is stund: Det tar en lång stund.

Where should ofta go? Can I say Vi diskar tillsammans ofta?

Default placement puts frequency adverbs after the finite verb: Vi diskar ofta tillsammans.
Vi diskar tillsammans ofta is possible but marked and less natural.
For emphasis you can front it (still V2): Ofta diskar vi tillsammans.

What’s the difference between ofta and oftast?

ofta = often. oftast = most often/usually (superlative). Both work: Vi diskar ofta tillsammans (frequent) vs Vi diskar oftast tillsammans (that’s how it usually goes, with exceptions).

Can I use ihop instead of tillsammans?

Yes. Vi diskar ofta ihop is common and a bit more colloquial. tillsammans is neutral/standard. Meaning is the same here.

Does diska need an object? We aren’t naming the dishes.

No object is required. diska can be intransitive meaning “do the dishes”: Jag diskar. You can add an object if you want: Vi diskar tallrikarna. Colloquially you’ll also hear the particle verb diska upp.

What are the principal parts of diska and ta?

diska: diska – diskar – diskade – diskat (regular).
ta: ta (older: taga) – tar – tog – tagit (irregular).

Is the comma before annars required? Could I use a semicolon or a period?

It’s optional. All are fine here:

Vi diskar ofta tillsammans, annars tar det …
Vi diskar ofta tillsammans; annars tar det …
Vi diskar ofta tillsammans. Annars tar det … A semicolon or period makes the separation a bit clearer in formal writing.

Is annars a conjunction?

No. annars is a conjunctive adverb (a connector), not a true conjunction. It links meanings, not syntax, and when fronted it triggers V2 (Annars tar det …). If you want a subordinating structure, use om: Om vi inte diskar tillsammans tar det för lång tid. (No inversion inside the om-clause.)

How do I negate these clauses?

First clause: Vi diskar inte ofta tillsammans (= we don’t do it often). For never: Vi diskar aldrig tillsammans.
Second clause: Annars tar det inte för lång tid (= otherwise it doesn’t take too long) or Annars tar det inte lång tid (= not long). In main clauses, inte comes after the finite verb.

How do I turn this into a question?

Yes–no question: Diskar ni ofta tillsammans? You can also ask about habit: Brukar ni diska tillsammans? In questions, the verb comes before the subject.

Can I say Annars så tar det för lång tid?

You’ll hear Annars så … in casual, regional speech. In standard written Swedish, Annars tar det … is preferred; så is redundant there.

Can I express the same idea with så att?

Yes, to show purpose/result: Vi diskar ofta tillsammans så att det inte tar för lång tid. This frames the second part as a consequence or goal rather than a simple alternative.

Any quick pronunciation tips?

Vi ≈ vee
diskar ≈ DIS-kar (short i as in sit; double s feel)
ofta ≈ OFF-tah (the t may be weak in fast speech)
tillsammans ≈ til-SAM-mans
annars ≈ AN-narsh (the rs merges to a “sh”-like sound)
tar ≈ tar
det ≈ deh (often just de)
för ≈ fur/fehr (ö like French eu)
lång ≈ lawng
tid ≈ teed