vad...beträffar

As For/regarding

Level 4

Use 'vad...beträffar' to mean 'as for' or 'regarding' a specific topic. It's a formal way to introduce or shift focus to a particular subject.

How It Works

'Vad...beträffar' is a formal construction used to single out a topic for comment. It's most common in written Swedish and formal speech. The structure is: Vad [topic] beträffar, [main clause].

The topic is usually a noun phrase, including a pronoun: vad mig beträffar. When the whole expression occupies the initial clause position, the finite verb follows it under the V2 pattern. A comma is not compulsory and does not determine the syntax. If så resumes the topic, the finite verb follows så.

It's common to insert the word så after the comma to help structure the sentence, but it's not strictly necessary.

  • Vad priset beträffar, så är det förhandlingsbart. (As for the price, it is negotiable.)
  • Vad vädret beträffar, måste vi vara förberedda på regn. (Regarding the weather, we must be prepared for rain.)

This expression is similar to other formal prepositions like angående (regarding) and beträffande (concerning), but it has a distinct grammatical structure. A more common and slightly less formal alternative is när det gäller (when it comes to).

The alternative order vad beträffar [topic] also exists. The phrase can follow the main statement: Planen är bra vad kostnaden beträffar (The plan is good as far as the cost is concerned). Formal wording can be deliberate even in conversation; it is not inherently incorrect there.

Examples (4)

  1. Vad ekonomin beträffar, så ser framtiden ljus ut.

    As for the economy, the future looks bright.

    Word by Word: What the economy concerns, so looks the future bright out.

    Here, 'ekonomin' is the topic being introduced. The main clause 'så ser framtiden ljus ut' follows the V2 rule, with the verb 'ser' in the second position.

  2. Vad den nya policyn beträffar, har vi ännu inte fattat ett beslut.

    Regarding the new policy, we have not yet made a decision.

    Word by Word: What the new policy concerns, have we yet not made a decision.

    The complete topic expression fills the initial position of the integrated clause, so the finite verb har precedes the subject vi.

  3. Jag är nöjd med det mesta. Vad maten beträffar, kunde den ha varit bättre.

    I'm happy with most things. As for the food, it could have been better.

    Word by Word: I am happy with the most. What the food concerns, could it have been better.

    This shows how the phrase can be used to shift focus within a larger context.

  4. Vad hans tidigare erfarenhet beträffar, är den mycket relevant.

    Regarding his previous experience, it is very relevant.

    Word by Word: What his previous experience concerns, is it very relevant.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting the V2 inversion in the main clause.

    Vad mötet beträffar, vi måste förbereda oss väl.
    Vad mötet beträffar, måste vi förbereda oss väl.

    For the integrated initial-topic pattern taught here, use Vad mötet beträffar måste vi... or resume the detached topic with så: Vad mötet beträffar, så måste vi... The verb follows the initial element, not necessarily the comma.

  • Leaving out vad in the intended fixed construction.

    Mötet beträffar måste vi förbereda oss väl.
    Vad mötet beträffar måste vi förbereda oss väl.

    The fixed topic expression includes vad. You can also use beträffande mötet. Its formal tone is a style choice, not a grammatical ban on using it in a casual conversation.

How It Connects

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

vad...beträffarLevel 4As For/regarding

Learn This First

The formal expression 'vad...beträffar' (as for/regarding) functions as a complex topic marker. To use it correctly, learners need to understand the basic pronoun 'vad', how to conjugate regular -ar verbs, and how fronting a topic affects the word order of the subsequent main clause.

Words in This Pattern

beträffarbeträffavad