Efter fikan börjar mötet.

after

Breakdown of Efter fikan börjar mötet.

• börja: to start
• mötet: the meeting
• fikan: the coffee break

Questions & Answers about Efter fikan börjar mötet.

Why does the verb come before the subject in this sentence?

Swedish is a verb-second (V2) language. When you start a main clause with an adverbial like Efter fikan (“After the coffee break”), the finite verb must be in second position: Efter fikan börjar mötet. Saying Efter fikan mötet börjar is ungrammatical.

Can I put the time phrase at the end instead?

Yes: Mötet börjar efter fikan is equally correct. Fronting Efter fikan adds emphasis to the time frame; leaving it last is more neutral.

Do I need a comma after “Efter fikan”?

No. Swedish normally does not use a comma after a short fronted adverbial. You would only use a comma if the initial phrase is very long or parenthetical.

Why is it “fikan” in the definite form?

Because you’re referring to a specific, known coffee break (the one on the schedule right now). Swedish often uses the definite form for specific, context-known events: fikan (“the fika”), lunchen (“the lunch”).

Can I also say “Efter fikat”?