Det låter sig göras.

Questions & Answers about Det låter sig göras.

How does låter sig translate to "can be" in this sentence?
The construction låta sig combined with an infinitive expresses possibility or feasibility. While it literally translates to "lets itself," in natural English it means "can be" or "is possible to."
Why does this sentence use the passive infinitive göras instead of the active göra?
In this construction, the verb following låta sig takes the passive form (ending in -s) because the subject is receiving the action. Literally, the sentence means "It lets itself be done." If you used the active göra, it would sound like the subject "It" is actively doing something.
Why is the reflexive pronoun sig used here?
The pronoun sig reflects back to the dummy subject Det (It). The verb låta requires a reflexive pronoun in this specific pseudo-passive structure to indicate that the subject "allows" something to happen to itself.
Is Det låter sig göras a phrase I should memorize as a whole?
Yes! While you are learning the broader låta sig grammar rule right now, Det låter sig göras is specifically a very common, fixed expression used in everyday Swedish to mean "It's doable" or "It can be arranged."

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