Reported Speech in Swedish

In Swedish, reported speech is used to convey information or statements that were said by someone else. It is important to understand how to transform direct speech into reported speech in order to accurately convey information and maintain clarity in conversations.

1. Introducing Reported Speech

Reported speech is typically introduced by a reporting verb, such as "säga" (to say) or "berätta" (to tell). Additionally, you will need to make some changes to the verb tense, pronouns, and word order when transforming direct speech into reported speech.

2. Changes in Verb Tenses

When transforming direct speech into reported speech, you need to consider the changes in verb tenses. Here are some examples:

• Present tense: Change to past tense.

  • Direct speech: "Jag är trött." (I am tired.)
  • Reported speech: Han sa att han var trött. (He said that he was tired.)

• Past tense: No change is necessary.

  • Direct speech: "Han åkte till Stockholm." (He went to Stockholm.)
  • Reported speech: Hon sa att han åkte till Stockholm. (She said that he went to Stockholm.)

• Present perfect: Change to past perfect.

  • Direct speech: "Jag har ätit middag." (I have had dinner.)
  • Reported speech: Han sa att han hade ätit middag. (He said that he had had dinner.)

3. Changes in Pronouns

Pronouns also undergo changes when transforming direct speech into reported speech. Here are some examples:

• First person pronouns (I, we, me, us): Change to third person pronouns (he, she, they, him, her, them).

  • Direct speech: "Vi ska gå på bio." (We are going to the cinema.)
  • Reported speech: Han sa att de skulle gå på bio. (He said that they were going to the cinema.)

• Second person pronouns (you): Change to third person pronouns (he, she, they, him, her, them) or use a demonstrative pronoun.

  • Direct speech: "Du är så snäll." (You are so kind.)
  • Reported speech: Han sa att hon var så snäll. (He said that she was so kind.)

4. Changes in Word Order

In reported speech, the word order often changes from direct speech. Here are some examples:

• Direct question: In reported speech, the question word order changes to subject-verb order.

  • Direct speech: "Vilken tid går bussen?" (What time does the bus leave?)
  • Reported speech: Han frågade vilken tid bussen gick. (He asked what time the bus left.)

• Statement to question: Use an interrogative word at the beginning of the sentence.

  • Direct speech: "Jag vill ha en kopp kaffe." (I want a cup of coffee.)
  • Reported speech: Han frågade om jag ville ha en kopp kaffe. (He asked if I wanted a cup of coffee.)

5. Other Considerations

• Changes in adverbs of time and place: In reported speech, adverbs of time and place may need to be adjusted.

  • Direct speech: "Jag kommer hit imorgon." (I will come here tomorrow.)
  • Reported speech: Han sa att han skulle komma hit nästa dag. (He said that he would come here the next day.)

• Quotation marks: In written Swedish, quotation marks are typically not used for reported speech. However, in informal writing or for emphasis, quotation marks can be used.

Remember that practice is key to mastering reported speech in Swedish. Regularly engage in conversations and pay attention to how reported speech is used by native speakers.