Questions & Answers about Varför skrattar ni?
Is varför related to the word var (where)?
Yes! It literally combines var (where) and för (for). It is very similar to the old English word 'wherefore', which also means 'why'.
Where is the word for 'are' in this sentence?
Swedish does not use an '-ing' form like English does. The single present tense verb skrattar translates to both 'laugh' and 'are laughing'. You should never use är (are) together with another verb to say someone is doing something.
Why does the verb skrattar come before the subject ni?
In Swedish, the verb usually needs to be in the second position. Since the question word varför takes up the first spot, the verb skrattar has to come right after it, meaning it swaps places with the subject ni.
I learned that 'you' is du. Why does this sentence use ni?
du is the singular 'you' used when speaking to exactly one person. ni is the plural 'you' (like 'y'all' or 'you guys'). This sentence is asking a group of people why they are laughing.
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