Questions & Answers about Bussen är tio minuter sen.
Why does the noun have the ending in Bussen?
In Swedish, the definite article is usually suffixed to the noun. Since buss is a common-gender (en-word) noun:
- en buss = a bus (indefinite)
- bussen = the bus (definite)
- Plural: bussar; definite plural: bussarna
Could I say just Buss instead of Bussen?
Not in normal sentences. Bare nouns are rare in Swedish. You need either the indefinite (en buss) or the definite (bussen). Bare buss appears mainly in headlines or lists.
Why is it sen and not sent?
Adjectives agree with the grammatical gender/number of the subject when used predicatively:
- Common gender (en-word): Bussen är sen.
- Neuter (ett-word): Tåget är sent.
- Plural: Bussarna är sena.
Is there a difference between sen and försenad?
- sen = late (broad, everyday word)
- försenad = delayed (explicitly “behind schedule”) Both work here. Bussen är tio minuter försenad sounds a bit more formal/official.