Possessives for names (-s)

Possessives for Names

To show ownership in Swedish, simply add -s to the end of a name. Remember these rules:

  • No apostrophes: Swedish possessives never use an apostrophe (Anna's becomes Annas).
  • Names ending in -s: If a name already ends in -s (like Lars), add nothing.
  • Indefinite nouns: The noun immediately following a possessive must be in its indefinite form (Annas presenter, not Annas presenterna).

Plural Definite Nouns with Adjectives (Double Definiteness)

Adding an adjective to a definite plural noun (like "the big boxes") requires a pattern called "double definiteness." You need three pieces working together:

  1. The free plural article de ("the")
  2. The plural adjective (ending in -a)
  3. The definite plural noun (usually ending in -na or -en)
The big boxes are Anna's gifts.
De stora lådorna är Annas presenter.
Where are Erik's toys?
Var är Eriks leksaker?
The expensive gifts are Lars's bracelets.
De dyra presenterna är Lars armband.
The new rings are in Anna's box.
De nya ringarna är i Annas låda.

Standalone Possessives

Possessives can stand alone when the object is already understood, just like in English:

The nice toys are Erik's.
De fina leksakerna är Eriks.
The white cell phones are Erik's.
De vita mobilerna är Eriks.

More Practice

Here are a few more examples combining possessives and the plural double definite pattern:

Maria's cell phone is new, but the old cell phones are mine.
Marias mobil är ny, men de gamla mobilerna är mina.
I like Maria's rings and the red bracelets.
Jag tycker om Marias ringar och de röda armbanden.
Today Lars buys the fun toys.
Idag köper Lars de roliga leksakerna.
Practice this lesson