Questions & Answers about Vad tvättar du?
Why does the verb tvättar come right after the question word vad?
In Swedish questions, the verb must come in the second position. You start with the question word (vad), follow it immediately with the verb (tvättar), and then the subject (du). This is known as the V2 rule.
Where are the words for "are" or "do" in this sentence?
Swedish doesn't use "helper" verbs like "are" or "do" to ask questions. While in English you say "What are you washing?" or "What do you wash?", Swedish simply puts the main verb right after the question word: Vad tvättar du?
Does Swedish have a separate tense for "are washing" versus "wash"?
No, Swedish present tense covers both! Tvättar can mean "wash", "washes", or "am/is/are washing" depending on the context. Here, it translates perfectly to "are washing".
Can I use tvättar for washing anything, like the dishes?
You can use tvättar for washing your body, clothes, or a car. However, if you are washing the dishes, Swedish uses a completely different word: diskar.
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