Question 1

How is the word besvikelsen formed using the -else suffix?

Accepted Answer

It is formed by taking the root of the adjective besviken (disappointed) or the verb besvika (to disappoint) and adding the suffix -else. This suffix is commonly used to turn verbs or adjectives into abstract nouns. The final -n in besvikelsen is just the definite article, giving us "the disappointment".

Question 2

Where does the word företeelsen (the phenomenon) come from?

Accepted Answer

It is built from the verb förete, which means to present, exhibit, or show (often used reflexively as förete sig, meaning to appear). By adding the -else suffix, it becomes an abstract noun meaning "an appearance" or "an occurrence"—which gives us the translation "phenomenon".

Question 3

Are all nouns ending in -else en-words, since both besvikelsen and företeelsen end in -n here?

Accepted Answer

The vast majority of abstract nouns ending in -else are indeed en-words, which is why they get the -n ending in their definite forms here. However, watch out for a very common exception you likely learned earlier: ett fängelse (a prison), which is an ett-word and becomes fängelset in the definite form.

Question 4

Why is the word order företeelsen slutade instead of inverting the verb after när?

Accepted Answer

När (when) is a subordinating conjunction, which means it starts a subordinate clause. In Swedish subordinate clauses, the subject (företeelsen) almost always comes before the verb (slutade). You only invert the subject and verb in a main clause if something other than the subject occupies the first position.

Besvikelsen var enorm när företeelsen slutade.

Breakdown of Besvikelsen var enorm när företeelsen slutade.

Questions & Answers about Besvikelsen var enorm när företeelsen slutade.

Learn Besvikelsen var enorm när företeelsen slutade and more in Swedish