Question 1

How does the suffix -bar work to create the adjectives justerbara and användbar?

Accepted Answer

The suffix -bar is added to verbs to mean "able to be done", much like "-able" in English. Justerbar comes from the verb att justera (to adjust), making it "adjustable". Användbar comes from att använda (to use), making it "usable" or "useful". Notice that the final "a" in the infinitive verbs is dropped before adding -bar.

Question 2

Why does justerbara end in "-a" while användbar does not, even though they describe the same chair?

Accepted Answer

This happens because of their position in the sentence. Justerbara is placed directly before the noun in a definite phrase, so it must take the definite ending -a. However, användbar comes after the verb är (in the predicative position) and describes an en word (stolen), so it stays in its basic form without an extra ending.

Question 3

How exactly do you use dels ..., dels ... in Swedish?

Accepted Answer

Dels ..., dels ... is a paired conjunction used to list two distinct aspects, reasons, or qualities. It translates to "partly ..., partly ..." or "for one thing ..., for another ...". In this sentence, it is used to highlight two separate benefits: the chair is useful, and it is also cheap.

Question 4

As a quick refresher, why do we say Den här justerbara stolen instead of Den här justerbara stol?

Accepted Answer

Swedish uses a "double definite" structure when combining the demonstrative den här (this) with a noun. You need the demonstrative phrase at the beginning (Den här) AND the definite suffix at the end of the noun (stolen). Any adjective placed in between must also take the definite -a ending.

Den här justerbara stolen är dels användbar, dels billig.

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