-ighet

Abstract Noun Suffix

Level 3

Turn adjectives ending in -ig or -lig into abstract nouns by adding the suffix -het. The result ends in -ighet. For example, möjlig (possible) becomes möjlighet (possibility).

How It Works

The ending -ighet is a very common way to form abstract nouns in Swedish. In the examples taught here, it results from adding the noun-forming suffix -het to adjectives that already end in -ig or -lig.

Formation Rule:
Adjective ending in -ig/-lig + -het → Noun ending in -ighet

  • Adjectives ending in -ig: skyldig (obliged) + -het → skyldighet (obligation)
  • Adjectives ending in -lig: möjlig (possible) + -het → möjlighet (possibility)

This shows the close relationship between the suffixes. The choice between using just -het (like in fri → frihet) and this pattern depends on the adjective's ending.

Nouns formed with -ighet are almost always en-words and, when used as count nouns, normally form their plural with -er. Abstract qualities are often used without a plural.
Example: en möjlighet (a possibility) → flera möjligheter (several possibilities).

Meaning And Countability
En möjlighet → möjligheter and en skyldighet → skyldigheter count possibilities and obligations. Ärlighet normally names honesty as a quality rather than a set of individual objects. The ending does not mean every noun must routinely occur in the plural.

Word formation is less automatic than inflection. Learn established nouns and their meanings; do not add -het to every adjective and assume the result is the ordinary word. In skyldighet, the relevant sense of skyldig is obliged, while guilt is normally expressed with skuld.

Examples (5)

  1. Hon förstod inte sina skyldigheter.

    She didn't understand her obligations.

    Word by Word: She understood not her obligations.

    The adjective 'skyldig' (obliged) becomes the noun 'skyldigheter' (obligations).

  2. Finns det någon möjlighet att byta tid?

    Is there any possibility to change the time?

    Word by Word: Exists there any possibility to change time?

    The adjective 'möjlig' (possible) is turned into the abstract noun 'möjlighet' (possibility).

  3. Hon visade stor skicklighet i sitt arbete.

    She showed great skill in her work.

    Word by Word: She showed great skill in her work.

    The adjective 'skicklig' (skilled) becomes the noun 'skicklighet' (skill).

  4. Drömmen blev till verklighet.

    The dream became a reality.

    Word by Word: The-dream became to reality.

    'verklig' (real) is transformed into 'verklighet' (reality).

  5. Ärlighet varar längst.

    Honesty is the best policy. (lit. Honesty lasts longest.)

    Word by Word: Honesty lasts longest.

    The adjective 'ärlig' (honest) becomes the noun 'ärlighet' (honesty).

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing -ighet with -het

    Jag uppskattar din friighet.
    Jag uppskattar din frihet.

    The adjective 'fri' (free) forms its noun with the suffix -het, becoming 'frihet' (freedom), not 'friighet'. The choice between -het and -ighet is determined by the adjective's form.

  • Using the wrong plural ending

    Det finns många möjlighetar.
    Det finns många möjligheter.

    Nouns ending in -ighet almost always form their plural by adding -er, not -ar. So, 'en möjlighet' becomes 'flera möjligheter'.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

-ighetLevel 3Abstract Noun Suffix

Learn This First

The suffix -ighet is a compound suffix used to create abstract nouns from adjectives. It is specifically used when the base adjective already ends in the suffix -lig. To understand this pattern, you need to be familiar with how -het creates nouns and how -lig creates adjectives, as well as the basic concept of noun genders in Swedish.