Relative clauses with 'there is' (där det finns)

Relative Clauses with "Where There Is"

In Swedish, "where there is" translates almost word-for-word to där det finns. Just like in main clauses, use the formal subject det (it/there) with the verb finns (is/are/exist).

This is the clockwork where there is a small part inside.
Det här är urverket där det finns en liten del inuti.
The friction is high in the part where there is a spring inside.
Friktionen är hög i delen där det finns en fjäder inuti.

Using "Sitter" for Attached Parts

For mechanical components that are mounted or fitted into place, Swedish often uses the verb sitter (literally "sits") instead of finns.

There is a cogwheel sitting next to the spring.
Det sitter ett kugghjul bredvid fjädern.
Here is the dial where there is a cogwheel sitting behind.
Här är urtavlan där det sitter ett kugghjul bakom.

Placement of Locative Prepositions

Locative prepositions like under (underneath), bakom (behind), or inuti (inside) typically sit right at the end of the relative clause. Notice the structure: där + det finns/sitter + [noun] + [preposition].

The oil reduces the friction where there is a cogwheel underneath.
Oljan minskar friktionen där det finns ett kugghjul under.
We examine the dial, where there is a hidden spring inside.
Vi undersöker urtavlan, där det finns en dold fjäder inuti.

The Mechanics of Watchmaking

Verbs like fästa (to attach) and rotera (to rotate) describe how these tiny components interact.

You attach the watch hand above the dial.
Man fäster visaren över urtavlan.
The clockwork requires precision in order to rotate exactly.
Urverket kräver precision för att rotera exakt.
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