Learn Hardcore Swedish: Kartan används ofta här.

Kartan är använd = “The map is used/second‑hand” (describes condition, not an ongoing action).
To talk about an event/process you can also use the bli‑passive: Kartan blir använd, but here the s‑passive is most natural.

Why is ofta after används and här at the end?

Swedish main clauses are V2: the finite verb is in second position.

Subject (Kartan) first, finite verb (används) second.
Sentence adverbs like ofta typically follow the finite verb.
Place adverbs like här often come toward the end: Kartan används ofta här.

You can front different elements for emphasis while keeping V2:

Ofta används kartan här.
Här används kartan ofta.

Can I use man instead of the passive?

Yes: Man använder ofta kartan här.

s‑passive (Kartan används …) is neutral and common in statements and signs.
man
- active is very common in everyday speech; it highlights an indefinite human subject.

Why kartan (the map) and not en karta (a map)? Could I use plural?

kartan = a specific/known map (definite).
en karta = an unspecified map: En karta används ofta här.
Generic plural is also possible: Kartor används ofta här. (Maps are often used here.)

What gender is karta, and what are its forms?

karta is common gender (an “en‑word”).

Indefinite singular: en karta
Definite singular: kartan
Indefinite plural: kartor
Definite plural: kartorna

How do I refer to kartan with a pronoun?

Use den (common gender): Den används ofta här.
Use det only for neuter nouns or clauses/situations, not for karta.

What’s the difference between här, hit, and härifrån (and där/dit/därifrån)?

här = here (location, static): fits this sentence.
hit = to here (direction): Kom hit!
härifrån = from here: Gå härifrån!
där = there (location), dit = to there, därifrån = from there.

Does används mean “is used” or “is being used”?

Both. Swedish doesn’t require a separate progressive form. Context (e.g., ofta) shows it’s habitual. To stress “right now,” add an adverb: Kartan används just nu.

How do I say this in the past or with “has been”?

Simple past: Kartan användes ofta här. (was often used)
Present perfect: Kartan har ofta använts här. (has often been used)
Past perfect: Kartan hade ofta använts här. (had often been used)

Where does inte go?

After the finite verb:

Kartan används inte ofta här. (= not often used here)

Don’t say: Kartan används ofta inte här (unnatural). You can also front for emphasis:

Här används kartan inte ofta.

Any pronunciation tips for Kartan används ofta här?

kartan: In many accents, rt merges into a single retroflex “t‑like” sound; stress on the first syllable; the first a is long.
används: ä like the “e” in “bed”; the final -ds is often lightly pronounced—many speakers barely release the d, so it can sound close to just -s.
här: ä as in “bed,” but longer; clear r.

Can I use brukar instead of ofta?

Yes, with a slight nuance:

Kartan används ofta här. = often used (frequency adverb).
Kartan brukar användas här. = is usually/typically used (habit/custom).
Both are fine; brukar sounds like a regular tendency.

Can I mention who uses the map in a passive clause?

Yes, add an av-phrase:

Kartan används ofta här av guiderna. (… by the guides)
Swedish often omits the agent if it’s obvious or unimportant.

What happens in a subordinate clause?

Sentence adverbs like ofta come before the finite verb:

Jag vet att kartan ofta används här.
(Not: att kartan används ofta här in standard word order.)
The main-clause V2 rule doesn’t apply inside subordinate clauses.