Question 1

How does the prefix be- change the word vilja to create beviljar?

Accepted Answer

The inseparable prefix be- often turns a word into a formal, transitive verb (a verb that requires a direct object). While vilja means "to want," adding the prefix creates bevilja, which means "to grant" or "to approve" — essentially the official action of giving someone what they want.

Question 2

Is begära also an example of an inseparable be- verb?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The word begära (to request or demand) uses the inseparable be- prefix, which means the stress falls on the second syllable rather than the first. However, unlike beviljar, the root part of this specific verb is no longer used as a standalone word in modern Swedish.

Question 3

Why does the sentence use den for "it" instead of det?

Accepted Answer

The pronoun den refers back to myndigheten (the authority). Because myndighet is an en-word (which you can tell by its definite ending -en), its corresponding pronoun for "it" must be den. You only use det when referring back to an ett-word.

Question 4

Could I use förrän instead of innan to mean "before" in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

No, you must use innan here. A common trap for learners is mixing up innan and förrän. You can only use förrän if the main clause is negative (for example, if the sentence said "The authority CANNOT grant the permit before..."). Because this sentence is positive, innan is the only correct choice.

Myndigheten kan begära mer information innan den beviljar tillståndet.

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