Breakdown of Vilken hemsk överraskning!
vilken
which (en) / what a (en-word, exclamatory)
hemsk
terrible
överraskningen
the surprise
Questions & Answers about Vilken hemsk överraskning!
Why do we use vilken instead of vilket or vilka here?
In exclamations, the word for "what a" must match the gender and number of the noun. Because överraskning is a singular en-word (en överraskning), we use vilken. If it were an ett-word, we would use vilket, and for plurals, vilka.
The English translation says "What a terrible surprise!". Where is the word for "a" in Swedish?
Swedish doesn't use an article (en or ett) in this structure. The word vilken covers the entire meaning of "what a" on its own.
Why is the adjective hemsk in its basic form?
Adjectives between vilken and the noun follow the normal rules for indefinite nouns. Since överraskning is a singular en-word, the adjective takes its basic form, hemsk.
I usually translate vilken as "which". How do I know it means "what a" here?
Context and punctuation! When vilken (or vilket / vilka) is used to express a strong reaction or emotion, usually ending with an exclamation mark, it acts as an exclamation meaning "what a". When it is used in a question, it means "which".
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