vilken/vilket/vilka
Which (Interrogative)
Use 'vilken' for 'en' words, 'vilket' for 'ett' words, and 'vilka' for plural words to ask 'which?'.
How It Works
When you want to ask 'which' in Swedish, you need to choose the correct form based on the noun that follows. This is similar to how adjectives change.
Here are the rules:
- Use vilken for singular 'en' words (common gender).
- Use vilket for singular 'ett' words (neuter gender).
- Use vilka for all plural words, regardless of gender.
For example:
Vilken bok? (Which book?) - because it's 'en bok'.
Vilket hus? (Which house?) - because it's 'ett hus'.
Vilka böcker/hus? (Which books/houses?) - because they are plural.
Use the indefinite noun form after interrogative vilken: Vilken bok?, not Vilken boken?. A noun can be understood instead of repeated: Vilken vill du ha?. The question phrase need not be a single word or begin with vilken: På vilket sätt? (In what way?). In an indirect question, use subordinate order: Jag undrar vilken bok du läser.
Examples (5)
- Vilken färg gillar du?
Which color do you like?
Word by Word: Which color like you?
'Färg' is an 'en' word ('en färg'), so 'vilken' is used.
- Vilket tåg går till Stockholm?
Which train goes to Stockholm?
Word by Word: Which train goes to Stockholm?
'Tåg' is an 'ett' word ('ett tåg'), so 'vilket' is used.
- Vilka dagar är du ledig?
Which days are you free?
Word by Word: Which days are you free?
'Dagar' is plural, so 'vilka' is used.
- Vilken är din favoritfilm?
Which is your favorite movie?
Word by Word: Which is your favorite movie?
'Vilken' is used because it refers to 'film', which is an 'en' word ('en film').
- Vilket nummer bor du på?
What number do you live at?
Word by Word: Which number live you on?
'Nummer' is an 'ett' word ('ett nummer'), so 'vilket' is used.
Common Mistakes
Using the wrong form for the noun's gender.
Vilket bok läser du?Vilken bok läser du?The word 'bok' (book) is an 'en' word ('en bok'). Therefore, you must use 'vilken', not 'vilket'.
Using a singular form for a plural noun.
Vilken skor är dina?Vilka skor är dina?The word 'skor' (shoes) is plural. For all plural nouns, you must use 'vilka'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'vilken', 'vilket', and 'vilka' correctly, you need to know the gender of the noun you are referring to (en-word vs. ett-word) and whether the noun is singular or plural.
- -or/-ar/-er/-nPlural Endings
The form 'vilka' is used for plural nouns, so the learner must be able to recognize plural noun endings.
Level 1 - vadWhat
Understanding basic interrogative pronouns like 'vad' (what) provides the functional foundation for learning more specific interrogatives like 'which'.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- Noun genders
When a noun is expressed or understood, its gender determines singular vilken or vilket. With a plural noun, use vilka.
Foundations - Question word questions
Vilken can be part of an initial phrase in direct questions and can also introduce an indirect question. Compare Vilken bok läser du? with Jag undrar vilken bok du läser.
Level 1 - Adjective agreement
The way 'vilken/vilket/vilka' agree with a noun in gender and number is very similar to how adjectives agree with nouns. Learning one helps with the other.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice vilken/vilket/vilka in Bubblegum
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