Question 1

Why isn't the word som (as) used after hälften så stor in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

In Swedish, just like in English, you can drop the second half of the comparison if the object you are comparing it to is already understood from context. You only need som when you explicitly name the other object, for example hälften så stor som den gamla (half as big as the old one).

Question 2

Why use Själva pumpen instead of Pumpen själv?

Accepted Answer

When placed before a definite noun, själva acts as an adjective meaning 'the actual' or 'the very' (the actual pump). If you say pumpen själv after the noun, it emphasizes 'the pump itself' as an active agent, which is a structure usually reserved for people or living things doing something personally.

Question 3

How does the phrase förutsatt att work here?

Accepted Answer

It translates to 'provided that' or 'assuming that'. It comes from the verb förutsätta (to assume or presuppose). This is a highly natural, B2-level conjunction to use when setting a strict condition, allowing you to upgrade from always relying on om (if).

Question 4

Does stämmer just mean 'is correct'?

Accepted Answer

The verb att stämma is specifically used when facts, numbers, or statements 'add up', 'match', or are accurate. You wouldn't use it for correcting a spelling mistake, but it is the perfect verb here to state that the width measurement is accurate. A very common way to agree with someone's statement in conversation is simply saying Det stämmer! (That is correct!).

Själva pumpen är hälften så stor, förutsatt att bredden stämmer.

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