Question 1

Isn't vinäger an uncountable word? Why is it pluralized as vinägrar here?

Accepted Answer

Yes, vinäger is normally an uncountable mass noun. However, Swedish uses a concept called sortpluralis (variety plural). You can pluralize an uncountable noun when you are talking about different types or varieties of that substance. In this sentence, vinägrar refers to different kinds of vinegar, not multiple literal bottles.

Question 2

How exactly do we get the plural form vinägrar from vinäger? Where did the 'e' go?

Accepted Answer

Vinäger is an en-word ending in -er. When en-words ending in unstressed -el, -er, or -en take a plural suffix, they usually drop their final -e- to make pronunciation smoother. Then, we add the plural ending -ar, turning vinäger into vinägrar.

Question 3

Why do the adjectives ljusa and mörka end in -a?

Accepted Answer

Because they describe vinägrar, which is grammatically plural. Even when a plural noun is a sortpluralis describing varieties of a mass noun, standard grammar rules apply. The adjectives must agree with the plural noun, so they take the plural suffix -a.

Question 4

I sometimes see the word ättika translated as vinegar. Why use vinägrar instead of ättikor here?

Accepted Answer

They refer to different things in Sweden! Vinäger is typically used for culinary vinegars made from wine or fruit (like balsamic or apple cider vinegar), which naturally come in light and dark varieties. Ättika refers to a much stronger, clear spirit vinegar mostly used for pickling or cleaning.

Föredrar du ljusa eller mörka vinägrar?

Breakdown of Föredrar du ljusa eller mörka vinägrar?

Questions & Answers about Föredrar du ljusa eller mörka vinägrar?

Learn Föredrar du ljusa eller mörka vinägrar and more in Swedish