Breakdown of När du gör uppkörningen, så måste backspegeln ju användas.
du
you (singular)
göra
to do, to make
måste
to have to, must
när
when
så
so
använda
to use
ju
as you know / of course
uppkörningen
the driving test
backspegeln
the rearview mirror
Questions & Answers about När du gör uppkörningen, så måste backspegeln ju användas.
What is the exact function of så in this sentence?
It acts as a resumptive adverb. When a sentence starts with a subordinate clause (like När du gör uppkörningen), Swedish often inserts så right before the main clause begins. It doesn't have a direct translation here, though it works a bit like "then." It's extremely common in spoken and informal Swedish because it gives a clear signal that the background information is over and the main clause is starting.
Why is the word order måste backspegeln ju?
Because the sentence starts with a subordinate clause, the main clause has to use inverted word order to keep the verb in the second position (the V2 rule). Therefore, the verb måste comes right before the subject backspegeln. In this inverted structure, sentence adverbs like ju ("of course" or "as you know") must be placed directly after the subject.
Why is användas used here instead of använda?
This is the passive infinitive. The subject of the main clause is backspegeln (the rearview mirror), which isn't actively using anything—it is being used. Since it follows the modal verb måste (must), the main verb is in its infinitive form, and adding the -s ending creates the passive meaning ("be used").
Why does the sentence use gör instead of tar for taking a test?
While in English you "take" a test, Swedish normally uses göra (to do) for taking tests and exams. This applies to a practical driving test (en uppkörning) as well. Saying tar uppkörningen is a common mistake for English speakers, but it sounds unnatural in Swedish.
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