tjänas

Tjänas is a Swedish verb form used as the present passive of the verb tjäna, which means to earn, gain, deserve, or to render service. In Swedish, the passive form is often created by adding an -s ending, so tjänas literally means “is earned” or “is earned for,” depending on the context. The term is most visible in formal or written language, and in many everyday sentences speakers prefer the active voice (tjäna) instead of the passive.

Usage and context

Tjänas is commonly used in discussions about money, wages, or benefits, where the result of an action is emphasized. For example: Pengarna tjänas in genom försäljning, meaning “The money is earned through sales.” The passive can also appear in general statements about what is due or deserved, though such uses may sound more formal or impersonal. In everyday speech, Swedes often use active constructions such as tjänar pengar instead of the passive form.

Relation to related forms

Tjäna is the base verb. Its conjugations include: present active tjänar, past tense tjänade, supine tjänat, imperative tjäna, and the passive present tjänas, with past passive forms such as tjänades. The passive is typically used when the doer of the action is either unknown, obvious from context, or intentionally de-emphasized.

Etymology and notes

The verb tjäna has deep historical roots in Swedish and related Germanic languages, with traditional development that produced both the active forms and the passive -s ending seen in many Swedish verbs. Tjänas remains primarily a grammatical tool for presenting outcomes of actions in a neutral, sometimes formal tone.