Breakdown of Vet vi varifrån den fossila elen kommer?
vi
we
veta
to know (facts, information)
komma
to come
den
the (with en-words)
varifrån
from where
elen
the electricity
fossil
fossil
Questions & Answers about Vet vi varifrån den fossila elen kommer?
Why is the verb kommer at the very end of the sentence instead of right after varifrån?
The phrase varifrån den fossila elen kommer is an indirect question acting as a subordinate clause. In a direct main-clause question, the verb comes right after the question word (Varifrån kommer den fossila elen?). But in an indirect question, standard subordinate clause word order applies, meaning the subject (den fossila elen) must come before the verb (kommer).
Why do we use both den and the -en ending on elen in den fossila elen?
This is a classic example of Swedish double definiteness. When an adjective (fossila) describes a definite noun, you must use the independent definite article (den), the definite form of the adjective (ending in -a), and the definite suffix on the noun itself (-en).
Could I separate the parts of varifrån and put från at the end of the sentence?
Yes! In everyday spoken Swedish, it is actually more common to split these compound question words. You will frequently hear Vet vi var den fossila elen kommer från? instead of using the slightly more formal varifrån. Both are completely correct.
What exactly is elen, and how does it relate to the English word electricity?
El is the standard, everyday Swedish shortening of elektricitet (electricity). It functions as a normal noun, taking the definite suffix -en to become elen (the electricity). You will rarely hear the full word elektricitet used in daily conversation.
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