Dato curioso
The two meanings of 'damm' developed independently from different Old Norse roots but converged into the same word form in modern Swedish.
Cómo usarlo
Usage Notes for 'Damm'
The word 'damm' is a fun one because it has two distinct meanings in Swedish: dust and pond. The meaning is usually clear from the context.
- When referring to dust, it's typically an uncountable noun.
- When referring to a pond, it's a countable noun.
Example for dust: 'Jag måste torka bort dammet.' (I have to wipe away the dust.)
Example for pond: 'Det finns fiskar i dammen.' (There are fish in the pond.)
Common Mistakes with 'Damm'
The main mistake learners make is confusing the two meanings without considering the context. While native speakers usually understand, it's best to be clear.
- Mistake: Saying 'Jag har damm i trädgården' when you mean 'Jag har en damm i trädgården.' The first means 'I have dust in the garden' (unlikely!), while the second means 'I have a pond in the garden.'
- Correction: Always consider the surrounding words. If you're talking about cleaning, it's dust. If you're talking about swimming or fish, it's a pond.
Origen de la palabra
Old Norse
Significado original: dust, fine powder (for 'dust' sense); pool, swamp (for 'pond' sense)
GermanicContexto cultural
It's common to hear 'damm' in everyday Swedish conversation, especially regarding cleaning ('torka damm') or when describing outdoor areas like parks or gardens that feature a pond. The context usually makes the meaning clear.
Ponte a prueba 6 preguntas
Jag måste torka bort all ___ från hyllorna.
In this context, 'damm' refers to the fine, dry powder that accumulates on surfaces, which needs to be wiped away.
Barnen älskar att mata ankorna i den lilla ___ bakom huset.
Here, 'damm' refers to a small body of still water, often man-made, suitable for ducks.
Efter renoveringen var det ett tjockt lager av ___ överallt.
Renovations often create a lot of 'damm' (dust) from building materials.
De har en vacker guldfisk-___ i trädgården.
A 'guldfiskdamm' is a common term for a pond specifically designed for goldfish.
Allergiker har ofta problem med ___ i luften.
'Damm' (dust) is a common allergen for many people.
Vi måste gräva en större ___ för att kunna samla mer regnvatten.
A 'damm' (pond) can be created to collect rainwater.
/ 6 correct
Perfect score!
