-mässig

-wise/-like Suffix

Level 5

The suffix -mässig is attached to a noun to create an adjective. It generally means 'in the manner of X', 'according to X', or 'with respect to X'. For example, plan (plan) becomes planmässig (systematic, according to plan).

How It Works

The suffix -mässig is a versatile tool, particularly common in formal, technical, and administrative Swedish. It allows for the creation of precise adjectives from nouns. Its meaning can be broken down into a few key categories:

1. According to / In terms of (-wise)
In this use, it indicates that something is done according to a certain standard, plan, or system, or is being considered from a certain perspective.

  • regelmässig: regular (according to the rules)
  • yrkesmässig: professional (in a professional capacity/manner)
  • planmässig: systematic, planned (according to a plan)
  • kvalitetsmässig: in terms of quality, quality-wise

2. Typical of / -like
In this sense, it describes something as having the characteristics of the base noun, with an evaluation that depends on the particular word and context.

  • fabriksmässig: factory-like, mass-produced
  • schablonmässig: stereotypical, formulaic (like a template)
  • maskinmässig: machine-like, mechanical

Inflection
These adjectives show the ordinary -t and -a agreement pattern.

  • En-form: en planmässig process (a systematic process)
  • Ett-form: ett planmässigt arbete (systematic work)
  • Plural/Definite: de planmässiga stegen (the systematic steps)

Comparison with other suffixes
It's important not to confuse -mässig with other suffixes like -aktig. Both can form resemblance adjectives. Their meanings depend on the established word and context; neither suffix guarantees a positive, negative or neutral evaluation.

For an adverbial “in terms of quality”, use kvalitetsmässigt: Kvalitetsmässigt är resultatet bra. The -t form can therefore be neuter agreement or an adverbial form, depending on its role.

Examples (5)

  1. Företaget erbjuder yrkesmässig rådgivning inom ekonomi.

    The company offers professional advice in economics.

    Word by Word: The company offers professional-manner advice within economics.

    The noun stem appears as yrkes- before -mässig. Yrkesmässig concerns a professional or occupational capacity; it does not by itself guarantee high quality.

  2. Vi måste göra en kvalitetsmässig bedömning av resultaten.

    We must assess the quality of the results.

    Word by Word: We must make a quality-wise assessment of the results.

    Kvalitet appears as kvalitets- before -mässig. The adjective indicates that the assessment concerns quality.

  3. Hans rörelser var nästan maskinmässiga efter timmar av träning.

    His movements were almost machine-like after hours of practice.

    Word by Word: His movements were almost machine-like after hours of practice.

    maskin (machine) + -mässig means 'mechanical' or 'machine-like'.

  4. Det var en känslomässig berg-och-dalbana för hela familjen.

    It was an emotional roller coaster for the whole family.

    Word by Word: It was an emotional mountain-and-valley-track for the whole family.

    känsla (feeling/emotion) becomes känslomässig (emotional). This is a very common adjective.

  5. Byggandet av den nya stadsdelen skedde på ett mycket planmässigt sätt.

    The construction of the new city district was done in a very systematic way.

    Word by Word: The building of the new city-part happened in a very plan-wise manner.

    plan (plan) + -mässig creates planmässig, meaning 'systematic' or 'according to a plan'.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaving the adjective in its en-form before an ett-noun.

    Det var ett planmässig arbete.
    Det var ett planmässigt arbete.

    Arbete is an ett-word, so the adjective is planmässigt. Affärsmässigt beteende can be grammatical even during a game if businesslike behaviour is what is meant; the context does not ban the suffix.

How It Connects

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-mässigLevel 5-wise/-like Suffix

Learn This First

To understand the suffix -mässig, you need to know how to form and decline adjectives in Swedish. Since this suffix creates adjectives from nouns, familiarity with noun compounds and the use of the linking -s- is essential for correct word formation.