Question 1

How does the word må change the meaning in Vad som än må hända?

Accepted Answer

Here, må is a concessive auxiliary verb meaning "may". It emphasizes that the outcome in the main clause is guaranteed regardless of the circumstances. Combined with vad som än (whatever), it gives the phrase a slightly more formal, dramatic, or definitive tone than simply saying Vad som än händer (Whatever happens).

Question 2

Why is som required here? Can I just say Vad än må hända?

Accepted Answer

You need som because "whatever" is the subject of the action hända (to happen). In Swedish, when question words like vem or vad act as the subject of a relative clause, som must follow them. If "whatever" were the object of the clause, you would drop som, for example: vad de än må säga (whatever they may say).

Question 3

Why does the main clause start with ska jag instead of jag ska?

Accepted Answer

This is the classic Swedish V2 (verb-second) rule in action. The entire subordinate clause Vad som än må hända efter ceremonin occupies the first position in the sentence. To keep the main verb in the second position, ska must immediately follow the comma, swapping places with the subject jag.

Question 4

How is the word brödraskapet constructed?

Accepted Answer

It is built from bröder (brothers) and the suffix -skap, which is the exact equivalent of the English suffix "-hood" or "-ship". The -et at the end is the definite article, making it "the brotherhood" rather than just "brotherhood".

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