Questions & Answers about När går det här tåget?
Why is it det här instead of den här?
Because tåg (train) is an ett-word (ett tåg). We have to use the matching demonstrative det här. If we were talking about an en-word like a bus, we would use den här bussen.
Why is the noun tåget in the definite form (the train)? Doesn't det här already mean 'this'?
In Swedish, when you use the demonstratives den här or det här, the noun that follows must always take the definite ending. You are literally saying 'this here the train' (det här tåget).
I thought går meant 'walks'. Why is it used for a train?
While går often means 'walks', it is also the standard verb for the scheduled departure of vehicles like trains, buses, and boats. So instead of asking when the train 'leaves', Swedes ask when it 'goes'.
Why does the verb går come before the subject det här tåget?
This is because of the V2 (verb-second) rule. In Swedish questions, if you start with a question word like När (when), the verb must be the very next thing. So går swaps places with the subject det här tåget.
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