Adjectives with prepositions

Adjectives and Fixed Prepositions

Just like in English, many Swedish adjectives are commonly paired with specific prepositions. Because prepositions rarely translate word-for-word between languages, it is best to learn these pairs as fixed expressions.

Even though the preposition never changes, the adjective still needs to agree with the noun or pronoun it describes (taking an -t for ett words, or an -a for plurals).

Feelings and State of Mind

When talking about romantic feelings, use kär i (in love with). For jealousy, the standard expression is avundsjuk på (jealous of). Notice in the second example how the adjective becomes plural (avundsjuka) to match "they" (de).

He is actually still in love with his wife.
Han är faktiskt fortfarande kär i sin fru.
Why are they always so jealous of us?
Varför är de alltid så avundsjuka på oss?

Awareness and Sensitivity

When discussing what someone notices or reacts to, use medveten om (aware of) and känslig för (sensitive to).

I was not aware of that problem.
Jag var inte medveten om det där problemet.
The cat is very sensitive to loud noises.
Katten är väldigt känslig för höga ljud.

Reactions and Impressions

When an event or a thing causes a reaction, Swedish often uses över or av. Use förvånad över for being surprised by something, and imponerad av for being impressed by it.

We were very surprised by the result.
Vi blev mycket förvånade över resultatet.
I am really impressed by your fast car.
Jag är verkligen imponerad av din snabba bil.

Passions and Obsessions

To describe strong preferences, use förtjust i (fond of). If a preference goes a bit too far, you can use besatt av (obsessed with).

My grandmother is very fond of black tea.
Min mormor är mycket förtjust i svart te.
Why is he so obsessed with money?
Varför är han så besatt av pengar?

Irritation and Fame

Finally, when directing frustration at someone, use irriterad på (irritated with). When talking about what someone or something is known for, use berömd för (famous for).

I was irritated with my colleague at the office yesterday.
Jag var irriterad på min kollega på kontoret igår.
The city is famous for its beautiful nature.
Staden är berömd för sin vackra natur.