In a sentence like "The blacksmith makes the iron hot", the word "hot" is an object predicative. It is an adjective that describes the state or property of the direct object, often showing the result of the verb's action.
In Swedish, object predicatives must agree with the direct object. This means the adjective changes its ending depending on whether the object is an en-word, an ett-word, or plural.
Common Gender (En-words)
When the direct object is an en-word, the adjective uses its basic form (usually no ending).
| The blacksmith keeps the smithy warm. | Smeden håller smedjan varm. |
| In the forge, we forge the metal flat. | I smedjan smider vi metallen platt. |
Neuter Gender (Ett-words)
When the direct object is an ett-word, you must add -t to the adjective.
| The blacksmith heats the iron and makes it pliable. | Smeden värmer järnet och gör det böjligt. |
Notice how böjlig (pliable) becomes böjligt to match det (which stands in for the ett-word järnet).
| Yesterday the blacksmith had a lot of steel, and he made it hard. | Igår hade smeden mycket stål, och han gjorde det hårt. |
Plurals
If the direct object is plural, add -a to the adjective, regardless of the noun's gender.
| The blacksmith makes the swords cold and the blades sharp. | Smeden gör svärden kalla och klingorna vassa. |
Opinions and States
Object predicatives aren't just for physical transformations like forging or heating. Verbs expressing opinions or observations (like att anse - to consider) use them too, following the exact same agreement rules.
| He considers the spark dangerous. | Han anser gnistan farlig. |
