dessutom

Furthermore/besides

Level 3

"Dessutom" means "furthermore" or "besides." It's used to add an extra point or argument to what has already been said.

How It Works

"Dessutom" is a versatile adverbial that connects ideas by adding information. It signals to the listener or reader that another point is being added.

Function and Placement
As a sentence adverbial, its position in the sentence is important:

1. At the beginning of a main clause:
This is one ordinary position. When "dessutom" starts a sentence, it triggers V2 inversion, meaning the verb comes directly after it.

  • Exempel: Maten var god. Dessutom var servicen utmärkt. (The food was good. Furthermore, the service was excellent.)

2. In the middle of a main clause:
It can also be placed in the standard adverbial position, which follows the finite verb in a subject-first clause; after inversion, an unstressed subject normally intervenes.

  • Exempel: Han är dessutom väldigt rolig. (He is also very funny.)

3. In a subordinate clause:
In a subordinate clause, "dessutom" follows the BIFF rule, meaning it comes before the verb.

  • Exempel: Jag stannar hemma eftersom jag är sjuk och dessutom inte har några pengar. (I'm staying home because I'm sick and, besides, don't have any money.)

Comparison with "också" (also)
While both add information, "dessutom" often presents a distinct additional point, much like "furthermore." "Också" is a more general "also" or "too."

Dessutom can also modify an added phrase within a coordination: mjölk, ägg och dessutom bröd. In that use it does not occupy the clause-initial position and does not itself change the subject–verb order.

Examples (4)

  1. Jag vill inte gå på bio. Filmen verkar tråkig, och dessutom är jag trött.

    I don't want to go to the cinema. The movie seems boring, and besides, I'm tired.

    Word by Word: I want not go to cinema. The movie seems boring, and furthermore am I tired.

    "Dessutom" introduces an additional reason for not wanting to go.

  2. Restaurangen har fantastisk mat. Dessutom är personalen mycket trevlig.

    The restaurant has fantastic food. Furthermore, the staff is very nice.

    Word by Word: The restaurant has fantastic food. Furthermore is the staff very nice.

    Here, "dessutom" starts the sentence, causing the verb "är" to come second (V2 inversion).

  3. Du måste köpa mjölk, ägg och dessutom bröd.

    You have to buy milk, eggs, and also bread.

    Word by Word: You must buy milk, eggs and furthermore bread.

    Used within a list to add a final item, often for emphasis.

  4. Hon talar tre språk flytande. Dessutom lär hon sig japanska nu.

    She speaks three languages fluently. In addition, she is learning Japanese now.

    Word by Word: She speaks three languages fluently. Furthermore learns she Japanese now.

    Another example of V2 inversion. The verb "lär" comes immediately after "dessutom".

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting to invert the verb and subject when "dessutom" starts a sentence.

    Det är sent. Dessutom jag måste gå upp tidigt.
    Det är sent. Dessutom måste jag gå upp tidigt.

    When an adverbial like "dessutom" begins a main clause, it takes the first position. The verb must then take the second position, according to the V2 inversion rule. The subject ("jag") moves after the verb.

How It Connects

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

dessutomLevel 3Furthermore/besides

Learn This First

To use 'dessutom' (furthermore/besides) correctly, you need to understand how Swedish sentence structure works, particularly the V2 rule, as this adverb is frequently used at the start of sentences to link ideas. It functions as a more formal way to add information, building upon the basic concept of 'och' (and).

Words in This Pattern

dessutom