Breakdown of Kollektivtrafiken är smidig. Dessutom är den billig.
vara
to be
den
it (common)
billig
cheap
dessutom
furthermore
Questions & Answers about Kollektivtrafiken är smidig. Dessutom är den billig.
Why is the word order är den and not den är in the second sentence?
Dessutom (furthermore/besides) is a conjunctive adverb, not a regular conjunction like och (and). When you start a sentence with an adverb, the Swedish V2 (verb-second) rule applies. The verb är must take the second position, pushing the subject den into the third position.
Does smidig always mean "convenient"?
Not exactly. Its literal meaning is closer to "flexible," "smooth," or "agile." When used to describe a system or service like public transport, it implies that it works smoothly and is hassle-free, which translates best as "convenient" in English.
Why does the second sentence use den instead of det for "it"?
The pronoun refers back to kollektivtrafiken, which is an en-word (en trafik). In Swedish, you must use den to mean "it" when replacing an en-word, and det when replacing an ett-word.
Why does the Swedish sentence use the definite form kollektivtrafiken when the English just says "Public transport"?
In Swedish, when you talk about a general system, abstract concept, or phenomenon in its entirety (like public transport, nature, or society), you usually use the definite form. English typically leaves the article out in these cases.