Breakdown of Det är anfallaren som tar frisparken.
vara
to be
det
it (neuter)
ta
to take
som
who / which / that (relative pronoun)
Questions & Answers about Det är anfallaren som tar frisparken.
Why do we use Det är and som instead of just saying Anfallaren tar frisparken?
This is a cleft sentence, which is the focus of this lesson. By wrapping the subject in Det är (It is) and som (who/that), you put strong emphasis on the striker. It highlights that the striker, and no one else, is taking the kick.
Can I drop the word som in this sentence?
No, you must keep som here. In Swedish, you can only drop som when it acts as the object of the relative clause. In this sentence, som represents the striker and is the subject doing the action (tar), so it is strictly required.
Could we use vem instead of som since it translates to 'who' in English?
No, in Swedish you never use the question word vem (who) to connect two parts of a statement like this. You must always use som (that/which/who) as the relative pronoun to link clauses, even when you are referring to a person.
Why is the verb tar used for a free kick?
Just like in English, Swedish uses the verb tar (takes) for executing certain set pieces in sports. You would also use it in phrases like tar en straff (takes a penalty).