Log inSign up

Tröjan tvättas skonsamt i det kalla vattnet.

Tröjan tvättas skonsamt i det kalla vattnet.
The sweater is washed gently in the cold water.
From Lesson 168:Adjective suffixes -ig, -sam, and -lös (smutsig, trådlös)·Swedish

Questions & Answers about Tröjan tvättas skonsamt i det kalla vattnet.

How does the -sam suffix work in the word skonsamt?
The word is built from the root of the verb skona (to spare or treat carefully). Adding the suffix -sam turns it into the adjective skonsam (gentle). In this sentence, it gets an extra -t at the end because it acts as an adverb describing how the sweater is washed.
Why does the verb tvättas end in an -s?
This is the passive voice, which focuses on the action happening to the sweater rather than who is doing the washing. By adding an -s to the present tense verb tvättar (washes), it becomes tvättas (is washed).
Why do we say det kalla vattnet instead of just i kalla vattnet?
Swedish uses the double definite pattern when an adjective describes a specific noun. You need three parts: the independent definite article det (because water is an ett-word), the adjective with an -a ending (kalla), and the definite noun itself (vattnet).
Why is the definite form of vatten spelled vattnet and not vattenet?
For ett-words that end in -en like ett vatten, the -e- drops out when you add the definite suffix -et. This spelling rule exists because vattnet is much smoother to pronounce than the clunky vattenet.

Learn Tröjan tvättas skonsamt i det kalla vattnet and more in Swedish

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
  • ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
  • ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free
Start learning Swedish →