Breakdown of Den äldre herren pratade med en äldre dam.
en
a, an (common)
prata
to speak
gammal
old
den
the (with en-words)
Questions & Answers about Den äldre herren pratade med en äldre dam.
Why use the comparative äldre (older) if the sentence doesn't compare these people to anyone?
This is called the absolute comparative. In Swedish, using a comparative adjective without a direct comparison expresses a moderate degree of the trait. Here, äldre means 'elderly' or 'rather old'. It is actually much more polite than calling someone en gammal herre (an old gentleman).
Why doesn't äldre get an -a ending in Den äldre herren since it is a definite noun phrase?
Comparative adjectives are a wonderful exception in Swedish grammar: they never change their endings! Whether the noun is singular, plural, definite, or indefinite, the comparative form stays exactly the same. That is why you see en äldre dam (indefinite) and den äldre herren (definite) using the exact same adjective form.
The English translation says 'talked to', so why does the Swedish sentence use med (with)?
Swedish uses pratar med in almost all situations where English speakers say 'talks to'. It is helpful to think of it as having a conversation with someone, rather than just talking at them.
What is the base form of herren, and why is it spelled without an extra vowel in the definite form?