Question Words

1. Vad?

   What?

   Usage

   The shortest question word; pair it with pointing

2. Var?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; add a place name and you are understood

3. När?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times or opening times

4. Vem?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, e.g. who is in charge

5. Varför?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, e.g. a delay or a refusal

6. Hur?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method, including how to get somewhere

7. Hur många?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

   Grammar Note

   For countables; use "Hur mycket?" for amounts

8. Vad kostar det?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The key price question, in markets and shops alike

9. Vilken?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Used to pick from, or point at, a set of options

   Grammar Note

   Used with "en" words; "Vilket?" with "ett" words, "Vilka?" in the plural

10. Vad är det här?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product and ask what it is

11. Var är toaletten?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions on any trip

    Grammar Note

    "Toalett" is an "en" word; the definite form is "toaletten"

12. Vad är klockan?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time, handy when making a connection

13. Har du det?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or availability; name the item first

    Grammar Note

    Insert the item: "Har du en karta?"

14. Går det?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible or allowed

    Grammar Note

    A colloquial way to ask if something is possible; "Är det möjligt?" is formal

15. Kostar det något?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, Wi-Fi, etc. costs money

16. Är det gratis?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free, e.g. samples or a map

17. Är det okej?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Asks for permission; pair it with pointing

18. Är det inte tillåtet?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being turned down

19. Mår du bra?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing — a different role from "Är det okej?" (asking permission)

    Grammar Note

    Modern Swedish has no formal/informal "you" distinction — "du" is standard even with strangers

20. Verkligen?

    Really?

    Usage

    A short reaction confirming something surprising

21. Är du säker?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Presses for confirmation of a fact — more formal than "Verkligen?"

22. Var kommer du ifrån?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

23. Vad heter du?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

24. Hur gammal är du?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age at a first meeting can come across as intrusive; better saved until you know them a little

25. Kan vi ta ett foto tillsammans?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Asks for permission to take a photo together

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