bredvid
Next To/beside
bredvid = next to / beside
How It Works
'bredvid' is a straightforward preposition that translates directly to 'next to' or 'beside'. It answers the question 'Var?' (Where?).
The structure is simple:
[Subject] + [Verb] + bredvid + [Complement]
For example: 'Boken är bredvid lampan.' (The book is next to the lamp.)
Like other Swedish prepositions, 'bredvid' doesn't change its form. It's always just 'bredvid'. It is one of several prepositions that describe location, such as i (in), på (on), and bakom (behind).
Bredvid can also specify the destination of placement, as in Ställ skorna bredvid mina. It is not restricted to a stationary verb or a Var? question. Its basic spatial relation stays the same.
Examples (4)
- Katten sitter bredvid hunden.
The cat is sitting next to the dog.
Word by Word: The cat sits next to the dog.
- Jag bor bredvid en stor park.
I live next to a big park.
Word by Word: I live next to a big park.
- Ställ dina skor bredvid mina.
Put your shoes next to mine.
Word by Word: Place your shoes next to mine.
- Vem sitter bredvid dig?
Who is sitting next to you?
Word by Word: Who sits next to you?
Common Mistakes
Choosing beside when the intended relationship is only nearby.
Jag bor bredvid flygplatsen.Jag bor nära flygplatsen.Both sentences are grammatical. Bredvid flygplatsen places the home beside the airport grounds; it does not mean the home is on the runway. Nära only says it is nearby and does not specify the side-by-side relationship.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'bredvid' effectively, you need to understand how to make nouns definite using suffixes, as prepositions of place usually refer to specific objects. It is also helpful to understand the basic question word for location and the related preposition 'vid'.
Related Patterns
- iIn
'i' (in) is another fundamental preposition of place. Both 'bredvid' and 'i' answer the question 'Var?' (Where?).
Level 1 - påOn/at
Like 'i', 'på' (on/at) is a core preposition of place. Learning these together helps build a foundation for describing locations.
Level 1 - bakomBehind
'bakom' (behind) is also a preposition of place. It describes a different spatial relationship but follows the same grammatical structure as 'bredvid'.
Level 1 - framförIn Front of
'framför' (in front of) is the opposite of 'bakom' and works just like 'bredvid' to specify an object's location relative to another.
Level 1 - mellanBetween
Mellan describes an intervening position between two or more reference points. They can be named in one plural phrase, such as mellan husen. Bredvid describes a position beside a reference point or group.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice bredvid in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Swedish lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
