densamma

Densamma is a Swedish scalar determiner and pronoun meaning “the very same” or “the same,” used to emphasize identity with something already mentioned. It is most common in formal, literary, or legal contexts, though it can appear in other registers as well. In sentences the usual construction places densamma after a definite article, for example den densamma, or det densamma, before the noun.

Etymology and form: Densamma is formed from den (the) and samma (same) and is often written as a single word in modern Swedish. It functions as a determiner with strong emphasis, reiterating that the reference is identical to a previously cited referent. The form agrees in usage with the definite article and the gender of the noun it accompanies, producing phrases such as den densamma or det densamma.

Usage and nuance: The expression conveys a sharper identity than the plain samma, signaling that the referent is exactly the same as previously mentioned. It is particularly common in legal or administrative prose and in some literary styles. In everyday spoken Swedish, speakers more often employ samma or den samma in simple repetition, reserving densamma for emphasis or formal tone.

Examples:

- Hon såg den densamma kvinnan som hon såg igår. (She saw the very same woman she saw yesterday.)

- I den densamma situationen uppstod ett liknande problem. (In the very same situation, a similar problem occurred.)

See also: samma, den (the), det (the). For more on usage, consult Swedish grammar references discussing demonstratives and intensifiers.