genom att

By -ing

Level 3

Use genom att + verb to say 'by doing something'.

How It Works

The phrase genom att is used to explain how something is done or achieved. It directly translates to 'by' + a verb in the '-ing' form (gerund) in English.

The structure is straightforward:
[Main Clause] + genom att + [Infinitive Verb] ...

This construction answers the question 'How?' or 'By what means?'. The action in the genom att-clause is the method that leads to the result in the main clause.

For example:

  • `Jag lärde mig svenska genom att titta på filmer.` (I learned Swedish by watching movies.)
  • `Hon sparar pengar genom att cykla till jobbet.` (She saves money by cycling to work.)

It's important not to confuse genom att with för att.

  • genom att = method (how)
  • för att = purpose (why)

Compare:

  • `Jag öppnade dörren genom att använda nyckeln.` (I opened the door by using the key. - The method)
  • `Jag använde nyckeln för att öppna dörren.` (I used the key in order to open the door. - The purpose)

A Full Clause Is Possible Too
Compare Vi löste problemet genom att arbeta tillsammans with Problemet löstes genom att alla arbetade tillsammans. The second has its own subject alla and finite verb arbetade. In an infinitive phrase, att is the infinitive marker; in a full clause it introduces the clause. Use normal subordinate order: genom att alla inte gav upp.

Examples (5)

  1. Hon blev frisk genom att vila mycket.

    She got well by resting a lot.

    Word by Word: She became healthy through to rest much.

  2. Man kan spara pengar genom att laga mat hemma.

    One can save money by cooking at home.

    Word by Word: One can save money through to cook food at-home.

  3. Vi löste problemet genom att arbeta tillsammans.

    We solved the problem by working together.

    Word by Word: We solved the problem through to work together.

  4. Han lärde sig spela gitarr genom att titta på videor online.

    He learned to play the guitar by watching videos online.

    Word by Word: He learned himself play guitar through to watch videos online.

  5. Du kan förbättra din hälsa genom att äta mer grönsaker.

    You can improve your health by eating more vegetables.

    Word by Word: You can improve your health through to eat more vegetables.

Common Mistakes

  • Choosing Purpose When You Mean Method

    Jag lärde mig svenska för att lyssna på musik.
    Jag lärde mig svenska genom att lyssna på musik.

    Both sentences are grammatical. För att lyssna på musik gives the purpose; genom att lyssna på musik gives the method. Choose the second when listening was how you learned.

  • Using A Finite Verb Without Its Subject

    Han klarade provet genom att studerade hårt.
    Han klarade provet genom att studera hårt.

    Without an expressed subject in the genom att phrase, use studera. A full clause is also possible: Han klarade provet genom att han studerade hårt.

How It Connects

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

genom attLevel 3By -ing

Learn This First

To use 'genom att' (by doing something), you need to understand how to use the infinitive marker 'att' and the preposition 'genom'. This pattern combines these elements to describe the method or means by which an action is performed, followed by a verb in its base (infinitive) form.

Words in This Pattern

genom