Question 1

How does the suffix -ligen work in the word sannerligen?

Accepted Answer

The word sannerligen (indeed or truly) is a sentence adverb derived from the adjective sann (true). By adding the suffix -erligen (a variant of -ligen used for smoother pronunciation with certain roots), the adjective is transformed into an adverb. This process is very similar to how adding '-ly' turns an adjective into an adverb in English.

Question 2

Why is the noun in the definite form (myten) after den där?

Accepted Answer

This is a classic example of the Swedish 'double definite' rule. When you use demonstrative pointing words like den där (that) or den här (this), the noun that follows must also take its definite suffix (myten). Swedish effectively says 'that the myth' rather than just 'that myth'.

Question 3

Why does gamla have an -a ending while intressant does not, even though they both describe the same myth?

Accepted Answer

Because gamla comes directly between the demonstrative den där and the noun, it acts as an attributive adjective and must take the definite ending -a. However, intressant is a predicative adjective, meaning it comes after the verb är. Since it describes a singular en-word (en myt), it stays in its basic, uninflected dictionary form.

Question 4

Could I just use verkligen instead of sannerligen in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you absolutely could say är verkligen intressant (is really interesting). The word sannerligen carries a slightly stronger, more literary, or more dramatic tone, translating best to 'indeed' or 'truly', whereas verkligen is the standard everyday word for 'really'.

Den där gamla myten är sannerligen intressant.

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