Breakdown of Hon är nervös eftersom hon inte törs riskera ett avslag.
vara
to be
ett
a, an (neuter)
hon
she
inte
not
nervös
nervous
eftersom
since, because
riskera
to risk
törs
to dare
avslaget
the rejection
Questions & Answers about Hon är nervös eftersom hon inte törs riskera ett avslag.
Why is there no att before riskera?
Törs (dare) acts as a semi-modal verb here. Just like common modal verbs such as kan or vill, it is directly followed by the bare infinitive. Therefore, it is törs riskera, not törs att riskera.
Does the 's' at the end of törs mean it is a passive verb?
No, törs is a deponent verb. This means it looks passive because of the -s ending, but it actually has an active meaning. She actively dares (or in this case, doesn't dare) to do something. Other deponent verbs you have likely seen include hoppas (hope) and minns (remember).
Why is it inte törs here? Doesn't inte usually go after the verb?
Yes, in a main clause it generally does. However, eftersom (since/because) introduces a subordinate clause. In a Swedish subordinate clause, sentence adverbs like inte must go before the conjugated verb. This is often remembered as the BIFF rule: Bisats, Inte Före Finita verbet (Subordinate clause, 'inte' before the finite verb).
What kind of rejection is ett avslag compared to just ett nej?
Ett avslag specifically refers to a formal refusal or denial of a request, such as a job application, a bank loan, or an official proposal. If she just feared someone saying no to a casual invitation, you would be more likely to use ett nej.
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