Definite plural adjectives (de ... -a)

Describing Specific Plural Nouns

When you want to describe a specific group of things (like "the soft towels"), Swedish uses a three-part pattern called double definiteness. You need these three pieces working together:

  • The independent plural article de ("the")
  • The plural adjective (ending in -a)
  • The definite plural noun (usually ending in -na or -en)
Where are the soft towels?
Var är de mjuka handdukarna?
Today we wash the dirty towels.
Idag tvättar vi de smutsiga handdukarna.

Consistent Adjective Endings

Unlike singular adjectives, plural adjectives do not change based on gender. They always take the -a ending.

The broken bowls were on the floor.
De trasiga skålarna var på golvet.
The expensive plates were broken.
De dyra tallrikarna var trasiga.
I love the fresh apples!
Jag älskar de färska äpplena!

Irregular Plurals

The pattern stays exactly the same, even for irregular plural nouns like männen (the men).

The strong men will help us today.
De starka männen ska hjälpa oss idag.
The soft towels and the hard spoons are here.
De mjuka handdukarna och de hårda skedarna är här.
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