Learn Swedish: Köpte min partner samma simglasögon som tränaren? - Did my partner buy the same swimming goggles as the coach?

In Swedish, the word samma (same) already points to a specific thing, so the noun that follows it must be in the indefinite form. That is why we say samma simglasögon and never samma simglasögonen.

Why do we use som here for 'as'?

When you are expressing that two things are identical using samma (the same), you always pair it with som (as). You only use än (than) when you are pointing out differences using comparative words, like 'better than' (bättre än). The structure for identity is always samma + [noun] + som.

Is simglasögon always plural?

Yes! It is a compound word made of sim (from simma, to swim) and glasögon (glasses). Just like 'glasses' and 'goggles' in English, glasögon is always treated as a plural word in Swedish.

Why is there no word for 'Did' at the start of this question?

Swedish doesn't use a helper verb like 'do' or 'did' to ask questions. Instead, it just flips the word order. To make a yes/no question, you simply place the main verb in the very first position (Köpte), followed immediately by the subject (min partner). You are literally asking 'Bought my partner...?'