Did you know that every minute of the day, one billion tons of rain falls on the earth? Hard to believe, considering the climate crisis! Of course, all that rain is not equally shared across the planet.

So, would you mention this fascinating fact to your new Swedish acquaintance? Well, small talk about local weather is actually a great conversation-starter. Everyone cares about the weather and you’re sure to hear a few interesting opinions! Seasons can be quite unpredictable these days and nobody knows the peculiarities of a region better than the locals.

SwedishPod101 will equip you with all the weather vocabulary you need to plan your next adventure. The weather can even be an important discussion that influences your adventure plans. After all, you wouldn’t want to get caught on an inflatable boat with a two-horsepower motor in Hurricane Horrendous!

Table of Contents

1. Talking about the weather in Sweden
2. Words for the first day of spring
3. Do You Know the Essential Summer Vocabulary?
4. Must-Know Autumn vocabulary
5. Winter
6. SwedishPod101 can prepare you for any season.

1. Talking about the weather in Sweden

If you’re like me, your day’s activity plan is likely to begin with a strong local coffee and a chat about what the sky is doing. After all, being prepared could be the difference between an amazing day and a miserable one! Luckily, it’s not difficult to comment on Swedish weather – just start with these simple words and phrases.

1- The rain is falling on the street – Regnet faller på gatan.

Watercolor artists, take out your paints! You might not be able to venture out on foot today, but just embrace the rain as part of your Swedish experience. When the rain stops, the air will be clean and colours vibrant.

2- The snow has covered everything – Snön har täckt allting.

A fresh blanket of snow is irresistibly beautiful. Pull on your boots and beanie, and leave your tracks in this foreign landscape. Don’t resist the urge to build a snowman – you need this!

3- Fluffy cloud – fluffigt moln

When you’re waiting for a warm beach day, fluffy white clouds in a blue sky are a good sign. Don’t forget your sunscreen, as clouds will intensify the UV rays hitting your skin.

4- The water froze on the glass – Vattnet frös på glaset.

Night temperatures can get chilly and might freeze the condensation on your windows. A good way to clear them up is with warm salt water.

5- The heavy rain could cause flash flooding – Ösregnet kan orsaka en störtflod.

If you’re visiting Sweden in the wet season, it’s important to stay informed when heavy rain sets in, so keep an eye on the weather radar. Avoid river activities and rather spend this time making a home-cooked meal and brushing up on your Swedish weather words.

6- Flood – översvämning

If you do get caught in a flood, your destination should no longer be ‘home’, but the nearest high ground.

7- The typhoon has hit – Tyfonen har slagit till.

Not all countries experience typhoons, but you need to know when to prepare for one! It will be very scary if you’ve never experienced one before. Your local neighbours are the best people to advise you on where to take shelter, as they’ve been doing it for generations. Be sure to get the low-down at the first sign of rough weather!

8- Check the weather report before going sailing – Kolla väderrapporten innan du går och seglar.

When planning an outdoor activity, especially on a body of water, always be prepared for a change in the weather. Ask your hotel receptionist or neighbour where you can get a reliable daily weather report, and don’t forget your sweater!

9- Today’s weather is sunny with occasional clouds – Dagens väder är soligt med enstaka moln.

Sunny weather is the dream when traveling in Sweden! Wake up early, pack the hats and sunblock and go and experience the terrain, sights and beautiful spots. You’ll be rewarded with happy vibes all around.

10- A rainy day – en regnig dag

Remember when you said you’d save the Swedish podcasts for a rainy day? Now’s that day!

11- Scenic rainbow – scenisk regnbåge

The best part about the rain is that you can look forward to your first rainbow in Sweden. There’s magic in that!

12- Flashes of lightning can be beautiful, but are very dangerous – Blixtar kan vara vackra, men de är väldigt farliga.

Lightning is one of the most fascinating weather phenomena you can witness without really being in danger – at least if you’re sensible and stay indoors! Did you know that lightning strikes the earth 40-50 times per second? Fortunately, not all countries experience heavy electric storms!

13- 25 degrees Celsius – tjugofem grader Celsius

Asking a local what the outside temperature will be is another useful question for planning your day. It’s easy if you know the Swedish term for ‘degrees Celsius’.

14- Water freezes at thirty-two (32) degrees Fahrenheit – Vatten fryser vid trettiotvå (32) grader Fahrenheit.

Although the Fahrenheit system has been replaced by Celsius in almost all countries, it’s still used in the US and a few other places. Learn this phrase in Swedish in case one of your companions develops a raging fever.

15- Clear sky – klar himmel

Clear skies mean you’ll probably want to get the camera out and capture some nature shots – not to mention the great sunsets you’ll have later on. Twilight can lend an especially magical quality to a landscape on a clear sky day, when the light is not filtered through clouds.

16- Light drizzle – lätt duggregn

Days when it’s drizzling are perfect for taking in the cultural offerings of Sweden. You could go to the mall and watch a Swedish film, visit museums and art galleries, explore indoor markets or even find the nearest climbing wall. Bring an umbrella!

17- Temperature – temperatur

Because of the coronavirus, many airports are conducting temperature screening on passengers. Don’t worry though – it’s just a precaution. Your temperature might be taken with a no-touch thermometer, which measures infrared energy coming off the body.

18- Humid – fuktigt

I love humid days, but then I’m also a water baby and I think the two go
together like summer and rain. Find a pool or a stream to cool off in – preferably in the shade!

19- With low humidity the air feels dry – Med låg fuktighet känns luften torr.

These are the best days to go walking the hills and vales. Just take at least one Swedish friend with you so you don’t get lost!

20- The wind is really strong – Vinden är väldigt stark.

A strong wind blows away the air pollution and is very healthy in that respect. Just avoid the mountain trails today, unless you fancy being blown across the continent like a hot air balloon.

21- It’s very windy outside – Det är blåsigt ute.

Wind! My least favourite weather condition. Of course, if you’re a kitesurfer, a windy day is what you’ve been waiting for!

22- Wet roads can ice over when the temperature falls below freezing – Blöta vägar kan frosta när temperatur faller under noll.

The roads will be dangerous in these conditions, so please don’t take chances. The ice will thaw as soon as the sun comes out, so be patient!

23- Today is very muggy – Idag är det väldigt kvavt.

Muggy days make your skin feel sticky and sap your energy. They’re particular to high humidity. Cold shower, anyone? Ice vest? Whatever it takes to feel relief from the humidity!

24- Fog – dimma

Not a great time to be driving, especially in unknown territory, but keep your fog lights on and drive slowly.

25- Hurricane – orkan

Your new Swedish friends will know the signs, so grab some food and candles and prepare for a night of staying warm and chatting about wild weather in Sweden.

26- Big tornado – stor tornado

If you hear these words, it will probably be obvious already that everyone is preparing for the worst! Definitely do whatever your accommodation hosts tell you to do when a tornado is expected.

27- It’s cloudy today – Det är molnigt idag.

While there won’t be any stargazing tonight, the magnificent clouds over Sweden will make impressive photographs. Caption them in Swedish to impress your friends back home!

28- Below freezing temperatures – temperaturer under fryspunkten

When the temperature is below freezing, why not take an Uber and go shopping for some gorgeous Swedish winter gear?

29- Wind chill is how cold it really feels outside – Vindens kyleffekt är hur kallt det verkligen känns ute.

Wind doesn’t change the ambient temperature of the air, it just changes your body temperature, so the air will feel colder to you than it actually is. Not all your Swedish friends will know that, though, so learn this Swedish phrase to sound really smart!

30- Water will freeze when the temperature falls below zero degrees celsius – Vatten fryser när temperaturen sjunker under noll grader Celsius.

If you’re near a lake, frozen water is good news! Forgot your ice skates? Don’t despair – find out where you can hire some. Be cautious, though: the ice needs to be at least four inches thick for safe skating. Personally, I just slide around on frozen lakes in my boots!

31- Waiting to clear up – väntar på att det ska klarna

Waiting for the weather to clear up so you can go exploring is frustrating, let’s be honest. That’s why you should always travel with two things: a scintillating novel and your Swedish Nook Book.

32- Avoid the extreme heat – undvik den extrema hettan

Is the heat trying to kill you? Unless you’re a hardened heatwave hero, definitely avoid activity, stay hydrated and drink electrolytes. Loose cotton or linen garb is the way to go!

33- Morning frost – morgonfrost

Frost is water vapour that has turned to ice crystals and it happens when the earth cools so much in the night, that it gets colder than the air above it. Winter is coming!

34- Rain shower – regnskurar

Rain showers are typically brief downpours that drench the earth with a good drink of water.

35- In the evening it will become cloudy and cold – På eftermiddagen, kommer det bli molnigt och kallt.

When I hear this on the Swedish weather channel, I buy a bottle of wine (red, of course) and wood for the fireplace. A cold and cloudy evening needs its comforts!

36- Severe thunderstorm – allvarligt åskväder

Keep an eye on the Swedish weather maps if it looks like a big storm is coming, so you’ll be well-informed.

37- Ice has formed on the window – Is har formats på fönstret.

You could try this phrase out on the hotel’s helpful cleaning staff, or fix the problem yourself. Just add a scoop or two of salt to a spray bottle of water – that should work!

38- Large hailstones – stort hagel

As a kid, I found hail crazy exciting. Not so much now – especially if I’m on the road and large hailstones start pummeling my windscreen!

39- Rolling thunder – mullrande åska

The rumble of rolling thunder is that low-volume, ominous background sound that goes on for some time. It’s strangely exciting if you’re safely in your hotel room; it could either suddenly clear up, or escalate to a storm.

40- Sleet – slask

Sleet is tiny hard pieces of ice made from a mixture of rain and melted snow that froze. It can be messy, but doesn’t cause major damage the way hail does. Pretty cool to know this word in Swedish!

2. Words for the first day of spring

You know the feeling: your heart skips a beat when you wake up and spring has sprung! Spring will reward you with new blossoms everywhere, birdsong in the air, kittens being born in the neighborhood and lovely views when you hit the trails. Pack a picnic and ask a new Swedish friend to show you the more natural sights. Don’t forget a light sweater and a big smile. This is the perfect time to practice some Swedish spring words!

3. Do You Know the Essential Summer Vocabulary?

Summer! Who doesn’t love that word? It conjures up images of blue skies, tan skin, vacations at the beach and cruising down the coast in an Alfa Romeo, sunglasses on and the breeze in your hair. Of course, in Sweden there are many ways to enjoy the summer – it all depends on what you love to do. One thing’s for sure: you will have opportunities to make friends, go on picnics, sample delicious local ice-cream and maybe even learn to sing some Swedish songs. It’s up to you! Sail into Swedish summer with this summer vocab list, and you’ll blend in with ease.

4. Must-Know Autumn vocabulary

Victoria Ericksen said, “If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour,” and I agree. Who can resist the beauty of fall foliage coloring the Swedish landscape? Birds prepare to migrate; travelers prepare to arrive for the best weather in Sweden.

The autumnal equinox marks the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night almost equal in length. The cool thing about this event is that the moon gets really bright – the ‘harvest moon’, as it’s traditionally known.

So, as much as the change of season brings more windy and rainy days, it also brings celebration. Whether you honor Thanksgiving, Halloween or the Moon Festival, take some time to color your vocabulary with these Swedish autumn words.

5. Winter

Winter is the time the natural world slows down to rest and regroup. I’m a summer girl, but there are fabulous things about winter that I really look forward to. For one, it’s the only season I get to accessorize with my gorgeous winter gloves and snug down coat!

Then, of course, there’s ice skating, holiday decorations and bonfires. As John Steinbeck said, “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?” Get ready for the cold season with our list of essential Winter words!

6. SwedishPod101 can prepare you for any season.

Now that you know how to inquire and comment on the weather in Sweden, you
can confidently plan your weather-ready travel itinerary. How about this for an idea: the next
time you’re sitting in a Swedish street café, try asking someone local this question:

“Do you think the weather will stay like this for a few days?” If you loved learning these cool Swedish weather phrases with us, why not take it a step further and add to your repertoire? SwedishPod101 is here to help!

Did you know there are many different types of calendars?

As you probably know – a calendar is a system of organizing days in weeks and months for specific purposes, according to Wikipedia.

Worldwide, most countries use the Gregorian calendar. Some just work on the same framework, meaning that time is divided into units based on the earth’s movement around the sun – the “solar calendar”. Other calendars keep time by observing the moon’s movements, a combination of the moon and the sun’s movements, and seasons.

Through SwedishPod101, you can learn all about this and so much more! Our themed, culturally relevant lessons are skillfully designed so you can do your planning perfectly for a holiday or a date.

Having a good plan for a visit or a trip is like studying well for an exam. You’re just so much better prepared! For that, you could well need specific phrases to plan around appointments and such, especially on business trips. Make sure to use the charts we provide here with the days of the week in Swedish, as well as the months in Swedish to navigate your way as you plan. Great resources!

Also – always remember to have fun!

Table of Contents

1. Why Will It Help To Know How To Talk About Dates in Swedish?
2. Talking About your Plans
3. Can SwedishPod101 Help You In Other Ways Too?

1. Why Will It Help To Know How To Talk About Dates in Swedish?

Well, that’s not a difficult question to answer. No matter why you’re travelling, it would be best to at least know the names of days and months in Swedish. You don’t want to miss your flight or an appointment because you confused “fredag” (Friday) with “lördag” (Saturday)! Or maybe you planned a holiday for “juli” (July), but you booked a flight for “juni” (June) by accident!

Avoid this confusion by learning the Swedish calendar before you leave.

Now, as promised, the 15 phrases to help you make and discuss plans.

2. Talking About your Plans

Perhaps you’re working in Sweden, or maybe you’re enjoying a prolonged holiday. Fabulous! Memorize these phrases so you can be sure to successfully negotiate meetings, appointments, dates, events, the list goes on!

1. Vad ska du göra den här helgen?

“What are you doing this weekend?”

This question is usually a preamble to inviting someone somewhere. Given that it’s over the weekend, it probably means a casual get-together or another social event. (But not necessarily! A manager or boss could also ask this for entirely different reasons.)

It’s a handy phrase to know when you’ve made Swedish or expat friends in the country. Or, be the one doing the inviting. Then train your ear to learn the following phrases so you can understand the response.

2. Jag reser i helgen.

“I am traveling this weekend.”

This could be a reply if you’re not available because you’re doing other fun stuff.

No matter why you are visiting Sweden, do take the time to explore the country! It’s beautiful and it has so many wonderful, interesting spots ready to be visited.

3. Jag planerar att stanna hemma.

“I am planning to stay at home.”

Maybe you feel unwell, but don’t want to give too much information? Or maybe you have work to do? Perhaps you just need some quiet gardening time…it doesn’t matter. This response is polite and honest without oversharing.

It could also be a slightly open-ended response, depending on how you deliver it. Because hey, being home could still mean your plans are flexible, right?

That said – depending on your relationship with the inviter, nuances like these will probably not be so apparent in a foreign culture. So, best to use this excuse for declining an invitation only if you are truly set on staying in.

4. Den här veckan är jag upptagen.

“This week I am busy.”

Another polite phrase that gives a reason for declining an invitation but without oversharing details.

Don’t decline too many invitations, though! You don’t want people to think that you’re too busy to hang out with them. They will stop inviting you out, and you know how the saying goes – all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy…! Being social is good for the soul.

5. Jag är ledig imorgon.

“I am free tomorrow.”

Yay! Perhaps you were approached by that person and they asked about your availability for a date. This would be a fine reply. Not too eager, but still indicating that you’re interested.

Or maybe you’re just replying to a colleague or manager’s request for a meeting. Polite, honest and clear.

Alternatively, you’re just busy right now, and plans are not going the way they were…well, planned. Compromise is a lovely thing! And this phrase sounds just like that.

Use it to indicate that you want to accommodate an invitation or the inviter’s plans, despite your current unavailability. Only if you are really free, of course.

6. Kan vi boka om det här?

“Can we reschedule this?”

So, life happened and you are unable to meet obligations or attend a planned meeting. This is a suitable question to ask if you wish to indicate your willingness to still engage with whatever is on the table.

Obviously you should (ideally) not ask to reschedule a party or big meeting! (Unless you’re the boss or it’s your own party, of course.) But if there’s reasonable wiggle room regarding arrangements, then this one’s your question.

7. Jag kommer att ha tillräckligt med tid i slutet på månaden.

“I will have enough time at the end of the month.”

A go-to phrase when events or activities are likely to take up a lot of your time, such as going away for a weekend, spending the day at a local market, or writing your manager’s quarterly report (with 20 flow-charts in Powerpoint) – anything that won’t only take an hour or two.

8. Vilken tid passar dig bäst?

“When is the best time that suits you?”

Remember phrase #5? That was a possible reply to this question. Asked by your crush, very possibly! Or, it could be asked by any other person for any other reason, doesn’t matter.

If this is addressed to you, it usually means that the person respects your time and schedule, which is a good thing. It probably also means that their own schedule is flexible, another good thing.

This is also a polite question to ask when a manager or senior colleague wants to meet with you. Let them decide on the time, and be as accommodating as possible. This attitude shows respect for seniority – good for career building. (Within reason, of course. You don’t need to postpone your wedding or your paid-up holiday to Australia because your manager wants to see you.)

9. Är det här datumet OK för dig?

“Is this date OK with you?”

But – if the other party insists that you choose a time for a meeting, appointment, or date etc., then do so! Respond with this nice, somewhat casual question that leaves space for negotiation, but only needs a simple reply.

Suitable for friends, and casual acquaintances and colleagues.

10. Är du tillgänglig den dagen?

“Are you available on that day?”

This is the a-bit-more-formal version of the previous question. Again, it has room for negotiation, but only needs a simple response – nice and neat!

Maybe this is the go-to question when you’re addressing your seniors at work, or a person much older than you.

11. Kan vi göra det så snart som möjligt?

“Can we do it as soon as possible?”

This question has an urgency to it that should preferably be responded to with the same. A simple reply will be good – yes or no. Less negotiable, this is still polite because it’s a question that gives you a choice.

But stand ready with one of the phrases in this article to help tie down a time and date!

12. Jag är tillgänglig varje kväll.

“I’m available every evening”

If you’re going to reply with this phrase, context is everything.

– If it’s your manager asking you to put in a bit of overtime, and you are available to – great reply! When deadlines are tight and everybody is stressing, your willingness to go the extra mile can only improve your relationship with your boss.

(Still, no need to be a doormat! If you get asked to work overtime too often, or if everyone else is goofing around while you have to graft, then re-evaluate the situation. And if you feel you’re being exploited a bit, don’t stress! Equip yourself with the diplomatic, yet assertive responses right in this article.)

– If it’s an old friend or longtime significant other asking to hang out – good reply. You know one another and appearances don’t matter any longer.

– If it’s a new crush who just asked when you’d be available for a date – stop. Not such a great reply. Tone down a bit! “Interested but not overly eager” is what you’re going for here.

Refer back to response #5, or use a counter-question, such as #1. Whatever suits you.

But if they – or anyone else – invite you to scale the Himalayas with them, then the next phrase will probably be the only sane response!

13. Jag måste planera detta i god tid.

“I need to plan this well in advance.”

So, as said under #9, perhaps you’re invited to join someone conquer the Himalayas.

Or your company manager wants you to plan the Party that Tops All Year-End Parties Forever.

Simply – if you get asked to do something that you know will need a lot of thorough planning, this is a good phrase to respond with.

It’s an assertive phrase that demonstrates two things regarding your attitude:

a) That you know your own abilities, and respect your own schedule.
b) That your respect other people’s time and schedule too.

Then just be sure to actually do that planning well in advance!

14. Vi måste hitta ett annat datum.

“We need to find another date.”

So, you’re in negotiations regarding a date.

This is an assertive statement that should probably not be used with a “My way or the highway” attitude.

That stuff only works in the movies – think sharp-tongued Samuel L. Jackson. Or fierce Kristen Stewart. Yea, they can be scary, so tone down that tone.

Also, be mindful that fickle people who change plans all the time don’t keep friends! Taking others’ needs into consideration, while simultaneously having your way is a delicate art that takes proper cultivation. Use this phrase sparingly – we have better ones here to negotiate with.

Of course, if your planned trip to the dentist falls on the same day as the only Billie Eilish concert close by…well, priorities are priorities. Feel free to call the dentist with this phrase. Or even better, use the next one.

15. Jag kan inte göra det på den dagen.

“I cannot do it on that day.”

This is the low-key-but-still-firm cousin of the previous phrase. You’re stating a personal fact, and depending on your tone, this can be as non-negotiable as you prefer.

Again, only use this when you really mean it, if you’re visiting Sweden or any other foreign country.

So, that’s it, folks! Which phrase did you find the most helpful? Let us know in the comments!

3. Can SwedishPod101 Help You In Other Ways Too?

Well yes, of course!

We think you will find these phrases easy to use when talking about dates and months in Swedish. But knowing how to employ them properly could help you avoid sticky situations!

SwedishPod101 is uniquely geared to help you with this and so much more.

This InnovativeLanguage.com initiative is one of many online language-learning courses. With us, you’ll find it easy and fun to learn a new language, and here are a few reasons why:

• Immediately upon enrollment, you’ll receive hundreds of well-designed lessons to get you going.
• Watch superb recordings of native Swedish speakers in cool slide-shows – the easy way to practice till you sound just like a native speaker yourself!
• Also immediately upon enrollment, you’ll get access to a huge library of free resources! These include extensive, theme-based Vocabulary Lists and a Word of the Day List (For free, hot bargains!) These alone are sure to give your vocab-learning boxing gloves.
• You’ll also immediately be able to use an excellent and free Swedish online dictionary. Necessary for quick, handy translations, no matter where you find yourself.
• For the serious learner, there are numerous enrollment upgrades available, one of which offers you a personal, online Swedish host. Allow us to hold your hand and support you in your learning!

If you’re serious about mastering Swedish easily yet correctly, SwedishPod101 is definitely one of, if not the best, online language learning platforms available. Talking about your plans or dates in Swedish need not ever spoil your stay.

So, hurry up—enroll today!

Traveling to foreign countries is nearly always an exciting, enriching, and beneficial experience. Yet, some things can be real downers, such as boredom on a lengthy flight to Sweden. Really, binge-watching onboard movies can only be interesting for so long! And jet lag – another huge downer. Did you know that jet lag is more severe when you travel from the West to the East?

Well, we won’t know how to beat that, but there are fortunately plenty of remedies around to investigate.

To beat flight boredom, though, we may have the answer for you at SwedishPod101! Why don’t you take the time to study Swedish travel phrases? We make this super easy and fun, with great downloadables, like our PDF Cheat Sheets. Quickly memorize these, and impress your Swedish friends or travel guide with your flawless Swedish!

Table of Contents

1. Importance Of Learning Travel Phrases
2. 13 Must-Have Travel Phrases and Words
3. Good-To-Have Travel Phrases
4. Ways To Improve Communication in a Foreign Country
5. SwedishPod101 Can Help You Master Travel Phrases Easily and Effortlessly!

1. Importance Of Learning Travel Phrases

Impressing Swedish people or your travel partners will be the least of the benefits you reap from learning these helpful phrases. These are greater ones:

1) Eliminate Travel Frustration: First of all, you’ll be able to cut out a good chunk of travel frustration and inconvenience due to language barriers.

Know how to pronounce and use at least the basic Swedish phrases, and then just look foreign. This should go a long way to help you get by and win you friends, because locals would be more inclined to help someone who took the trouble to learn a smidgen of their language.

2) Emergency Readiness: In case of an emergency, you will be able to get help a lot quicker if you know how to ask for what in Swedish. Imagine miming to a doctor or nurse that you have a sore ear but that you’re allergic to penicillin. Not so easy, right?

Rather, you should know basic emergency travel phrases, especially if you suffer from a serious condition. Also, information about life-threatening allergies you have should always be on your person in the language of the country you’re visiting.

3) Sight-Seeing Readiness: Hopefully, you also travel to learn more about a country’s culture. Visiting the main tourist sites in Sweden will be more interesting if you know how to ask pertinent questions in Swedish.

In this blog, we’ll also be giving you important travel phrases to consider – from the 13 essential must-have phrases to ones that are just generally useful and good to know.

Let’s get cracking!

2. 13 Must-Have Travel Phrases and Words

Seasoned explorers of multiple countries will tell you that certain words and phrases are absolute must-knows in anyone’s travel vocabulary. Learning from them, we collated some of the most essential ones here for you.

If you know these travel phrases and words by heart in Swedish, you will be much better equipped for your visit than most of your movie-binging travel mates.

1) Tack (Thank you)

As a tourist, you will be relying on the kindness of strangers to get by. Repay them with a small acknowledgment of their friendly generosity – know how to say “thank you” in Swedish.

2) Talar du engelska? (Do you speak English?)

While it may be a bit of a cop-out, sometimes you just can’t figure out how to communicate. Maybe you’re blanking on one specific word you need, maybe they’re speaking with a heavy accent, or maybe it’s just really late and you really want to get to the hotel. In that case, try asking if they speak English, and hopefully you can make things a little bit simpler for yourself.

Don’t abuse this phrase, though! If you just try to get by without learning any of the local language, not only will you not learn anything – you’ll be out of luck if they can’t speak English!

3) Finns det en buss från flygplatsen till staden? (Is there a bus from the airport to the city?)

Public transit is usually cheaper, if slower, than taking a taxi or rideshare. Use this phrase to see if you can get where you’re going when you’re strapped for cash, or just when you’d like to take the scenic route into town!

4) Är detta rätt buss till flygplatsen? (Is this the right bus for the airport?)

Likewise, if you’re the kind of person who can get themselves moving early (or maybe you just have a late flight), maybe you want to take the bus to the airport rather than taking a cab. If that’s the case, you’ll want to be sure you’re actually heading the right way! You wouldn’t want to end up at a lookout point half an hour away, watching your flight take off in the distance, would you?

5) Ursäkta mig, vad är biljettpriset? (Excuse me, what’s the fare?)

If you are paying for a cab, you’ll want to know how much. Most legal taxis will have meters, but when dealing with a currency you’re not familiar with, it can be worth asking just to double check that you’re paying the right amount – especially if the currency has cents.

6) Jag har bokat ett rum (I have a reservation)

This one you can expect to use at least a few times throughout your trip, unless you’re the kind of person who travels by the seat of their pants and just goes to whatever hotel, motel, or hostel has rooms available.

7) Har du några lediga rum ikväll? (Do you have any vacancies tonight?)

If that’s the case, you’ll definitely be using this phrase instead. Quite possibly a lot, depending on how lucky you are!

8 ) Var är tågstationen? (Where is the train station?)

If you’re in a country with an expansive commuter rail system (or maybe just a fan of other types of locomotives), you may want to know where the closest station is. Just don’t go looking for pennies on the rails!

9) Jag är allergisk mot jordnötter (I am allergic to peanuts)

Replace “peanuts” with whatever the word for your allergen may be. If your allergy is serious, you probably already know the importance of stating this very clearly in Swedish.

If the condition is life-threatening, be sure to have a letter or prescription from a medical professional in Swedish on your person at all times. Consider getting a medical alert bracelet specially made in Swedish if your stay will be longer than a month or so.

10) Har ni några vegetariska rätter? (Do you have any vegetarian dishes?)

If you dislike eating certain things, or you have certain dietary restrictions, it would be best if you knew how to convey this clearly in Swedish.

Remember, though, that saying “I’m vegan” or “I’m diabetic” may not be enough to get you what you want. The rules for veganism and vegetarianism are not standard everywhere in the world. Also, your patron might not understand what “diabetic” means. If you have a medical condition, it would be best to research some in-depth vocabulary beforehand.

11) Kan jag få en karta? (Could I get a map?)

Planning on exploring your destination? Hopelessly lost? Maybe just an amateur cartographer? No matter the reason, this phrase is sure to come in handy. That said, you’re more likely to get use out of it at some sort of tourist or travel center than you are asking a random passerby on the street.

12) Hur mycket kostar den här? (How much is this?)

Even if you’re not a big shopper, you’re probably going to need this phrase at some point. Knowing how to count in Swedish will, of course, help a lot with purchases too.

13) Tar du kreditkort? (Do you take credit card?)

This is another travel phrase that will smooth your monetary transactions considerably.

3. Good-To-Have Travel Phrases

Unlike the previous phrases, these are not really essential so much as they are useful. Yet, knowing these will still smooth over some bumps on your journey, more than just knowing the crucial phrases would.

1) Är Wi-Fit gratis? (Is the Wi-Fi free?)

If you’re abroad, your normal cellular plans probably won’t have any service, and you’ll be totally reliant on publically available Wi-Fi while you’re out and about. Just ask a server, clerk, or attendant, and they’ll be happy to let you know. Just make sure you’re paying attention when they tell you the password!

2) Kan du ta en bild på mig tack? (Could you take a picture of me please?)

What would a trip be with no photos to commemorate the event? Just be sure to ask this of someone who actually looks like they’d be willing to, unless you’re willing to risk being given the cold shoulder or worse. If you’re at a tourist attraction, you’ll find that most people are more than happy to take one for you, so long as you take one of them as well!

3) Har du några rekommendationer? (Do you have any recommendations?)

Eating alone in a restaurant? Or going out with new Swedish friends or business colleagues? Let them help you decide what to have.

4) Jag skulle vilja ha en rökfri sittplats, tack (I’d like to have a non-smoking seat, please)

Though smoking has gone out of fashion in some places, it’s still popular in others. In the event you’re at a restaurant where smoking is allowed on premises, you can always ask this question to the staff and be seated elsewhere.

5) Vatten, tack (Water, please)

If you’ve emptied your glass, or are cutting yourself off after a few drinks, you can always ask for some water. It can be especially useful if the restaurant is busy to the point you need to call out to someone to get service.

6) Kan jag få notan? (Could I have the check?)

To finish off the restaurant related phrases, if you’re eating with friends or really want to impress your colleagues, taking the bill can be a nice treat for them. Of course, this phrase could come in handy as well if you’re eating alone and you’re just impatient to leave.

7) Vad rekommenderar du för souvenir? (What do you recommend for a souvenir?)

Now that your trip is over, what better way to cap it all off than a memento, or maybe a gift for friends and family at home? It’ll be nicer to have something recommended by the locals than a cheap bauble from the airport store, so go ahead and ask someone you’ve met what they think.

4. Ways To Improve Communication in a Foreign Country

When traveling, it’s possible to keep communication smooth when you don’t share a language.

Do so by keeping these five tips in mind. They are aimed to help you communicate with those who cannot speak English very well, and also to keep your traveling experience pleasant!

1. Keep your English simple and easy to understand.
If the person you are talking to speaks very little English, use basic verbs, adjectives, and nouns, and keep sentences short.

However, don’t patronize them by talking in pidgin or like you would address a child. Keep your speech simple but natural, and use the correct grammar.

For instance, don’t say: “You come when?”. If you say: “When will you come?”, you will very likely be understood, and may even help someone who wants to improve their English.

2. Ask someone to write information down.
Apply Rule 1 first at your hotel, where the staff is very likely to be able to speak some English. Get them to write down, in their native language, things like: “I would like to go to the airport, please,” “Please take me to the beach,” or “Where is the closest bathroom?”

These written questions are something you can then give to taxi drivers or any other people who are willing and able to help you. This simple step could make your life a lot easier when you travel to a foreign country!

3. Avoid asking leading questions!
If you want the correct information from a non-native English speaker, that is.

When you need directions, for instance, don’t ask: “To get to the bus stop, do I need to turn left here?” If the person didn’t really understand you, you will probably just get a smile and a “Yes,” which could possibly make you miss your bus.

Rather, you should ask: “Where is the bus stop?” If they understand you, you will get the correct directions.

4. Pick the right person to ask for help.
Time to look at people and think a bit about their appearance! A younger person who looks like they might be a student is more likely to have English skills than the friendly but ancient lady smiling at you from a fruit stall.

If you don’t see anyone like that, head into town to the nearest bank, hospital, pharmacy, or hotel. The staff at those places usually speak a bit of English.

5. Know when to quit.
If you stuck to the above rules, but the person you are talking to only stares at you blankly, say thank you and leave. Hanging around hoping someone will suddenly understand and respond is just wasting your time, and may irritate them as well. Go find someone else.

5. SwedishPod101 Can Help You Master Travel Phrases Easily and Effortlessly!

So, reader, have you found this article helpful?

Do you feel comfortable enough to use some essential travel phrases in Swedish? We’d also love to hear if you think we left out important travel phrases. Leave your suggestions and opinions in the comments!

SwedishPod101 takes the lead with many free learning tools to help you master Swedish reading and speaking easily, and in fun ways.

These tools include:

– An extensive vocabulary list, regularly updated
– A new Swedish word to learn every day
– Quick access to the Swedish Key Phrase List
– A free Swedish online dictionary
– The excellent 100 Core Swedish Word List
– An almost limitless Lesson Library for learners of all levels

You will also have access to topic-specific recordings like our Before You Travel: Survival Phrases lesson.

Learn even more efficiently with the help of a personal tutor, after taking an assessment test to personalize and tailor your training.

Getting a tutor is also a good option if you meet challenges in your learning, or need to fast-track correct pronunciation and diction. Your very own friendly, Swedish-speaking teacher will be only a text away on a special app, anywhere, anytime – an excellent option for business persons!

Using a guided learning system that was developed by experts in language and online education, you’ll receive personal feedback and constant support to improve in no time. You’ll also be tasked with weekly assignments in reading, writing, and speaking to hone your Swedish speaking skills.

Imagine how impressed your Swedish friends or colleagues will be when you display your excellent conversational skills! With SwedishPod101, getting there will be easy and fun.

Especially if you’re planning a prolonged visit to Sweden, using the correct Swedish numbers for counting in Swedish could be very important! Number systems are the other alphabet in any language. In fact, it is a language all of its own, and it serves a multitude of excellent purposes.

Table of Contents

1. A Brief History of Counting and Number Systems
2. Why is it Important to Learn Swedish Numbers?
3. Learning Swedish Numbers
4. Why Choose SwedishPod101 to Learn all about Swedish Numbers?

1. A Brief History of Counting and Number Systems

1. The Ishango Bone

The origin of counting, and with it numbers, is not clear to historians. While their art showed that prehistoric man had a concept of numbers, the first indication of a formal system was found to be only between 20,000 and 35,000 thousand years old. This discovery came around 1960 in the form of the so-called Ishango Bone found in the Congo, Central Africa.

The 10cm/4 inch piece of bone was a fibula from a baboon. It showed markings with a neat, unified pattern of small lines – far too organized and sophisticated to have formed spontaneously. Archeologists believe that those thin markings were carved to keep score of, or count, something. The lines seemed to represent a sequence of prime numbers and a series of duplications. Some even called it the first-ever pocket calculator!

2. Mesopotamia and Greece

Yet, evidence suggests that it wasn’t until about 4,000 years ago that humans truly started counting and using numbers. Together with the development of civilization came developed agriculture, and the need for measurement and score-keeping was increased.

For this reason, a formal number system and mathematics were developed first in the Middle East, in what was then called Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia was roughly situated in the area of modern-day Iraq and Kuwait. Allegedly, the system was pretty simple at first. Citizens used tokens that represented a certain number of items, such as one token equalling four goats, etc. This eventually evolved into a system of score marks pressed into clay, which ultimately went on to influence Greek mathematics.

3. Hindu-Arabic Numbers

Zero, meanwhile, was conceived later and elsewhere. Inspired by the Hindu religion, which allows for the concept of infinity and eternity, the Indians invented a symbol to represent nothing. The magic of the zero lies not in itself but its combination with other numbers.

The Indians were also the creators of today’s numbers, which are often referred to as Hindu-Arabic numbers. These comprise one or a combination of just ten symbols or digits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0.

Europe learned of this numeric system only around 1200 A.D., when they were introduced to it by an Italian mathematician called Leonardo Pisano Bigollo.

Pisano, also known as Fibonacci, is famous for the discovery of a mathematical sequence with countless applications. Yes, math buffs, it’s the well-known Fibonacci sequence, also called the Golden Mean.

The Roman numeric system, which was clumsy next to the newer inventions, gradually lost popularity in the West. It’s from here that they “slowly spread to conquer the world,” as Steven Law puts it.

2. Why is it Important to Learn Swedish Numbers?

For us at SwedishPod101, this is an easy question to answer! Because we know that numbers are a global unifier.

Counting and numbers have made our lives easier since they were first formulated, even in their most primitive forms.

Without knowing your numbers, you can’t properly communicate about or deal with the following:

1) Your date/time of birth, i.e., your age: This is vital information to be able to give to people like doctors, employers, law enforcement, and so forth.

2) Banking: Worldwide, our monetary systems are built on numbers. Interest, credit scores, and loans all rely on math beyond simple finger counting.

3) Time: Without knowing how to say numbers, you can’t talk or ask about the time and expect to get a useful response. You don’t want to miss an appointment or schedule something for the wrong hour!

4) Ordering data: Numbers bring order to a mostly random life! Scientists even say that numbers and the way they are organized underpin the whole universe. From using them to count your meals’ calories and the number of likes your posts get on social media, to drawing up intricate data charts and explaining existence itself – numbers are what makes these things possible.

All of the above and more are reasons why it is important to know your numbers if you plan on travelling or becoming a foreign worker abroad, in Sweden or anywhere else!

3. Learning Swedish Numbers

Now, let’s explore the Swedish number system a bit more! Take a look at this infographic.

Can you make out for yourself what the Swedish numbers between one (1) and nine (9) look and sound like? Easy, right?

Or, if you struggled a bit, no problem. Why not listen to how Swedish numbers one (1) through ten (10) sound when pronounced by our native Swedish speaker and friendly SwedishPod101 teacher?

Then, share with us in the comments your native language’s romanized pronunciation of your number system. We’d love to see all the different ways the same numbers can be pronounced!

When you have mastered the first ten numbers, you have basically nailed the most significant part of the number system. Well done! Curious to learn the numbers from eleven upward? No problem! Why not subscribe and enroll with us now to immediately enjoy this lesson, teaching you all about Swedish numbers eleven (11) to one hundred (100)?

Finally, if you’re curious how the numbers look once you’ve broken one hundred, why not check out our Swedish number vocabulary page? You can see the numbers we’ve just covered, all the way up to four thousand (4,000). Plus, you can also see the Swedish words for different numbers used in example sentences, to get an idea of how you can use them in your day-to-day conversations!

4. Why Choose SwedishPod101 to Learn all about Swedish Numbers?

SwedishPod101, like all Innovative Language Learning ventures, takes the pain out of learning a new language by adding a lot of fun. It’s never an easy thing to learn a new language, but we formulated all your lessons so they’re nicely bite-sized, and geared to keep you motivated!

Also, we created a great number of fantastic tools to help keep struggle and boredom out of the learning process.

• Fun and Easy Learning: It’s a commonly-known fact that when learning is made easy and fun, student motivation rises. And as motivation rises, so does the effort to learn – what a beautiful cycle! SwedishPod101’s language learning system is designed to get you speaking from the onset. Learn at your own convenience and pace with our short, effective, and fun audio podcast lessons. Our Learning Center is comprehensive and state-of-the-art, with a vibrant user community to connect with! Our lessons are recorded with native hosts and voice actors, providing a diverse range of dialects in your lessons. You can be confident that native speakers will understand you when speaking Swedish!
• Innovative Learning Tools and Apps: We make it our priority to offer you the best learning tools! These include apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, and Mac OSX; eBooks for Kindle, Nook, and iPad; audiobooks; Roku TV and so many more. This means that we took diverse lifestyles into account when we developed our courses, so you can learn anywhere, anytime on a device of your choice. How innovative!
• Free Resources: Sharing is caring, and for this reason, we share many free resources with our students. For instance, start learning Swedish with our basic online course by creating a lifetime account – for free! Also get free daily and iTunes lessons, free eBooks, free mobile apps, and free access to our blog and online community. Or how about free Vocabulary Lists? The Swedish dictionary is for exclusive use by our students, also for free. There’s so much to love about SwedishPod101…!
• Live Hosts and One-on-One Learning: Knowledgeable, energetic hosts present recorded video lessons, and are available for live teaching experiences if you upgrade. This means that in the videos, you get to watch them pronounce those tongue-twisters as if you’re learning live! Add octane to your learning by upgrading to Premium Plus, and learn two times faster. You can have your very own Swedish teacher always with you, ensuring that you learn what you need, when you need to – what a wonderful opportunity to master a new language in record time!
• Start Where You Are: You don’t know a single Swedish word? Not to worry, we’ve absolutely got this. Simply enroll in our Absolute Beginner Pathway and start speaking from Lesson 1! As your learning progresses, you can enroll in other pathways to match your Swedish level, at your own pace, in your own time, in your own place!

So, why wait? Sign up with SwedishPod101 right away! Also, let us know in the comments if you’ve used this blog post, or any of the free lessons anywhere to master Swedish numbers. Or, even better – share your birthdate using what you’ve learned!

Ever heard of the four stages of culture shock?

They are the four mental states every foreigner goes through when moving to a new country.

Here’s a chart depicting each stage:

Honeymoon is the period when your stay is all fun and games, and everything is still going as planned. You’re experiencing the “tourist” Sweden and you have no complaints.

Fast-forward to the second or third month, and you’ll slowly but surely start sliding down into the culture shock hole. You start missing home, become sensitive to the more negative aspects of Swedish society, and begin to feel the changes that are taking effect in your life. 

Thereafter comes adjustment, and that’s the period when you have to make the most mistakes and go through the so-called “dumb foreigner syndrome.” During this period, you’ll endure several awkward situations and misunderstandings before you start getting a good grasp of your surroundings. And that’s not just with friends and coworkers who might be more understanding, but also with strangers on public transportation, in elevators, at the supermarket, you name it.

Your saving grace in those instances would be to know how to say sorry in Swedish.

Not only that, but you’ll also want to learn how people respond to that, so you can both understand their response and answer others’ apologies yourself when the situation demands.

Before we get into the best expressions for apologizing in Swedish, here are the most important words and phrases to get you started…

1. The Words You’ll Need to Say Sorry in Swedish
2. Take Responsibility
3. Apologetic Expressions for Formal and Business Situations
4. Condolences
5. How to Accept an Apology in Swedish
6. Conclusion

1. The Words You’ll Need to Say Sorry in Swedish

Below are the pillars of apology vocabulary in Swedish. Using these Swedish words for sorry, you can create your own expressions outside those mentioned in this article and better understand others’ apologies. 

Sorry.
Ledsen.

Forgive me.
Förlåt mig.

I apologize.
Jag ber om ursäkt.

I regret.
Jag ångrar.

Now that you’re armed with the essential words and phrases for expressing your apologies, it’s time to use them in context…

2. Take Responsibility

The first step in apologizing is to admit your mistake. In some contexts, you may not be fully convinced that you’re in the wrong, but it would still be wise to just take responsibility and move on with your day. This is especially applicable to strangers in situations where you may have stomped on someone’s foot or gotten in someone’s way while driving, for example. 

I’m sorry.
Jag är ledsen.

It’s my fault.
Det är mitt fel.

I won’t do it again.
Jag kommer inte att göra det igen.

I should not have said that.
Jag skulle inte ha sagt det där.

How can I be forgiven?
Hur kan jag bli förlåten?

Taking responsibility is especially a good idea around strangers. It shows respect, saves you time, and can save you from a potential negative interaction in case things get confrontational.

Now that we’ve talked about the most relevant ways to say sorry in Swedish when around strangers in informal contexts, let’s look at the other side of the coin: formal situations. 

3. Apologetic Expressions for Formal and Business Situations

In more professional contexts, you’ll want to use language that’s much more articulate and fitting to your work environment—be it with your coworkers, boss, or even clients.

Humility and responsibility are two key personal characteristics everyone should have in business, especially when present as a foreigner abroad. 

You’ll want to keep a good reputation for yourself as a guest of Sweden. Learning some formal apologetic expressions can go a long way in this regard.

Apologies for any inconvenience.
Jag ber om ursäkt för eventuella besvär.

I’m sorry to inform you that…
Jag är ledsen att behöva meddela dig att…

Please forgive us for…
Var vänlig förlåt oss för…

We offer our sincere apologies for this inconvenience…
Vi ber djupt om ursäkt för de besvär detta orsakar…

A few quick tips for when you need to apologize in a business situation:

• Do not give any extra explanations after your apology. Keep it straightforward.
• Let the recipient hear your apology and listen to their reaction.
• Confirm that you understand their reaction, whether it’s positive or negative.
• Apologize for your actions, not for how you made others feel or react.
• Do not wait it out. Apologize as soon as possible so it doesn’t snowball.

Now that we’ve broken down how to say sorry in both formal and informal situations, we can look into even more situation-specific vocabulary. 

The next section is not exactly about how to say sorry, but rather about how to express your condolences to someone. As in other languages, condolences are usually expressed with carefully placed sentences. You do not want to offend or say the wrong thing in those situations, which is why we’ve listed down a few phrases you can feel safe using. 

4. Condolences

I’m sorry for your loss.
Jag beklagar sorgen.

This is the most basic expression, and you can’t go wrong with it. This phrase is easy to remember and it will get the message across every time.

I’m sorry to hear about your loss.
Jag är så ledsen för din förlust.

I am sincerely sorry and sympathize with your grief.
Jag beklagar djupt och sympatiserar uppriktigt med din sorg.

You should know that you are in our thoughts.
Du ska veta att du finns i våra tankar.

I’m so sorry for your loss. If you feel like talking, do not hesitate to call me.
Jag beklagar verkligen din förlust. Om du känner för att prata så tveka inte att ringa mig.

I can’t find any words. You should know that I’m thinking of you.
Jag finner inga ord. Du ska veta att jag tänker på dig.

We will all miss [name]. His legacy will continue through the great love he spread.
Vi kommer alla att sakna [namn]. Hans arv kommer att leva vidare genom den stora kärlek han spred.

[name] existed in so many people’s lives. We will all miss her very much. I’m here for you when you need to talk.
[namn] fanns i så många människors liv. Vi kommer alla att sakna henne djupt. Jag finns här för dig om du behöver prata.

The longer condolence expressions are a great fit if the listener is a close friend or family member of yours. Expressing your condolences more extensively and offering your help show that person you really care. 

5. How to Accept an Apology in Swedish

Now that you’ve learned how to express your apology in different scenarios, you may want to explore what it’s like being on the other end. Swedes make mistakes too, so learning how to accept an apology is just as important as knowing how to make one yourself. 

It’s okay, don’t worry about it.
Det är okej, oroa dig inte för det.

I totally understand.
Jag förstår helt och hållet.

No problem.
Inga problem.

It’s nothing.
Det är inget.

No worries.
Inga bekymmer.

6. Conclusion

Grattis! (Congratulations!) You’re now prepared to tackle those awkward “culture shock” moments, and you’re able to bounce back from any embarrassing situations you go through while in Sweden.

The expressions you’ve learned today will make great additions to your Swedish vocabulary and will help you better understand other expressions you come across. If there are any situations or contexts we haven’t covered here, feel free to let us know—we’d be glad to help you out with more useful apology phrases! 

An apology expression at the right moment can make a huge difference over saying nothing at all, but do you know what would help you have even more control over those situations? 

Learning even more Swedish.

To do that, you’ll want to find a great resource that can help you get the most out of your time.

Language classes could be a viable option, but not all of us have the time to stick to a teacher’s schedule every day or the money to hire a private tutor.

That’s where a program like SwedishPod101 could come in very handy.

SwedishPod101 provides thousands of audio, video, and text lessons available for mobile and desktop. These lessons are designed to help learners at all language levels, and their approach focuses on helping you learn the most in the least amount of time.

The best thing about SwedishPod101 is our up-to-date integrated features such as line-by-line breakdowns, pronunciation comparison tools, and online flashcards.

All of this in addition to the option of getting your own personalized language program makes SwedishPod101 a very viable option for Swedish learners at all learning levels.

Sign-up is free and no credit card is required.

You can click here to sign up now and try it all for yourself.

Happy learning!
Lyckligt lärande!

If you’re planning to visit Sweden or want to move there, it’s important to know about the different ways you can introduce yourself in Swedish, and how to start a conversation.

Let’s say you meet a new person and want to know this individual more. There are some things you should keep in mind before you introduce yourself in Swedish, since Swedish introductions are different than in other countries. That said, a simple “My name is,” in Swedish can go a long way.

In this article, we’ll go further into the subject of introducing yourself in Swedish so that you’ll never be at a loss for words! You’ll have the Swedish self-introduction down in no time.

Table of Contents

1. The Very First Meeting: Identifying Yourself
2. Introductions in Swedish: Placing Yourself in Society
3. Talking About Personal Stuff in Swedish
4. What NOT to Talk About
5. Final Thoughts & Tips
6. How SwedishPod101 Can Help You Master Swedish

1. The Very First Meeting: Identifying Yourself

The first step in how to introduce yourself in Swedish is identifying yourself. This means giving information to the other person about who you are: your name, your profession, etc. Any deep conversation or long-lasting friendship begins here.

1- “My Name is,” in Swedish

The very first thing you say when introducing yourself in Sweden is hello (or any number of Swedish greetings, for that matter!), and after that, you should say what your name is.

When meeting someone new, it’s very common to shake the other person’s hand and give them your first name. Keep in mind that if you’re the one who initiates the handshake, you should also be the first one to say your name.

If you’ve already met this person, shaking hands isn’t necessary. It’s also common to give this person a small hug—but only when both of you feel comfortable with each other, and have shared a conversation before.

Take a look at this example:

“My name is Emma.”
Mitt namn är Emma.

• “My” = Mitt
• “Name” = Namn
• “Is” = Är

2- How to Introduce Yourself in Swedish in a Group

If there’s more than one person when you introduce yourself, it’s more common to just say hello and then state your name.

If you want to appear more friendly, it’s also important to tell the other person that you think it’s nice to meet them. For example:

“Hello, Elin. Nice to meet you.”
Hej, Elin. Trevligt att träffas.

But it all depends on how many people you’re going to introduce yourself to. If there’s several people in the group, a simple hello followed by your name is fine.

3- How to Introduce Yourself in Swedish to an Individual

If there’s only one person you’re gonna introduce yourself to, then the conversation will be more intimate. This means that it’s expected to use longer sentences. For example:

“Hello, my name is Elin. Nice to meet you.”
Hej, mitt namn är Elin. Trevligt att träffas.

It’s also important to look into the other person’s eyes when talking to them. This will make them feel more comfortable around you.

4- Starting a Conversation in Swedish

Introducing yourself in Swedish is just the beginning. Once you’ve introduced yourself and told the other person your name, it’s time to start a conversation.

A couple of interesting topics you may want to consider are your age and nationality. But do keep in mind that some people may think it’s a bit weird, as Swedish people are a bit guarded. It may take some time before they open up, especially regarding age and nationality.

We do have a couple of relevant vocabulary lists you can study to prepare for these topics if they happen to arise:

• Vocabulary for Nationalities
• Numbers

2. Introductions in Swedish: Placing Yourself in Society

When you want to start a conversation in Swedish, it’s much more common to talk about your profession. So, after you’ve said your name and introduced yourself in Swedish, you can ask the other person what their profession is. This is a good conversation starter and may be something you can talk about for a long time.

• “What do you work with?”
  Vad jobbar du med?

Once the person you’re speaking with has warmed up to you, they may be interested in talking about their hobbies.

• “Do you have any hobbies?”
  Har du några intressen?
• “What are your hobbies?”
  Vad är dina intressen?

Music can also be a great conversation starter:

• “What kind of music do you like?”
  Vad gillar du för musik?

If you don’t know how to start the conversation, they may initiate the conversation instead. This will make everything feel smoother for you.

3. Talking About Personal Stuff in Swedish

As everyone is different and unique, there are no set-in-stone right or wrong ways to continue a conversion after you’ve introduced yourself. As the conversation movies forward, you should naturally get a better idea of what your conversation partner enjoys (or doesn’t enjoy!) talking about. You can go from there.

For example, if you’re starting a conversation about your profession, you’ll notice pretty quickly if this person is comfortable talking about their job or not.

If you don’t see an immediate reaction or passion in the conversation, then it may be best to change the topic.

It may take some time before a Swedish person opens themselves up to you. But once you notice this change, the other person may be more comfortable with answering questions you have.

The best thing is to listen and see the other person’s reactions.

4. What NOT to Talk About

There are a few things that Swedish people generally don’t like talking about, especially when you’ve just met. Be mindful of these things, so that you don’t accidentally offend them or make them uncomfortable.

• Nationality

Swedish people don’t usually talk about their nationality or where they’re from. They’re also unlikely to ask about it. This largely has to do with the variety of different nationalities in Sweden; many people don’t see the point in talking about it.

• Income

People in Sweden also never talk about how much they earn.

• Politics

This might go without saying, but politics can be a very touchy subject. So definitely avoid this topic as much as possible.

• Age

It’s not common to ask the other person how old they are; this information should only be offered voluntarily by the other party. Further, you should never ask a woman how old she is, especially if it’s an older woman; this is considered rude.

If, on the other hand, it’s obvious that the person you’re talking with is fairly young, it may be okay to ask. (But, again, it’s better if they just tell you voluntarily.)

5. Final Thoughts & Tips

If you don’t want to seem rude, then giving your name is a must.

But after this, people won’t see you as rude if you don’t continue a conversation. Swedish people are already pretty guarded, and it takes some time for them to open up, especially regarding personal questions. But you may find that certain topics can really get Swedish people talking and passionate; it all depends on who you’re talking with!

If you’re really interested in delving deeper into a conversation, it’s a good idea to talk about your own passions and hobbies first. Gauge the other person’s reactions while you’re speaking to determine if you should keep going on the current topic or not.

This will make the other person interested in what you have to say, and it doesn’t matter if she or he has the same interests. You’ve already shown that you’re passionate about something, and this will automatically make the other person more comfortable around you.

How SwedishPod101 Can Help You Master Swedish

As you’ve probably noticed, people in Sweden has its own set of introduction and conversation rules and traditions, just like any other country.

Now that you have a better idea of how to introduce yourself in Swedish, we can help you learn many more Swedish phrases and grammar rules, easy. You can start introducing yourself in Swedish in no time. Here you can find great information on how you introduce yourself in Swedish.

In the meantime, why not practice? Leave us a comment below introducing yourself in Swedish! We look forward to hearing from you, and learning more about you!

Do you often feel lonely and sad? Do you long for romance and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet that special person? Speaking another language could revolutionize your love life! So, why wait? Learning how to say ‘love’ in Swedish could be just what you need to find it.

Or perhaps you were lucky, and have found your Swedish partner already. Fantastic! Yet, a cross-cultural relationship comes with unique challenges. Learning how to speak your lover’s language will greatly improve your communication and enhance the relationship. At SwedishPod101, our team will teach you all the words, quotes and phrases you need to woo your Swedish lover with excellence! Our tutors provide personal assistance, with plenty of extra material available to make Swedish dating easy for you.

Table of Contents

1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date
2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date
3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary
4. Swedish Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day
5. Swedish Quotes about Love
6. Marriage Proposal Lines
7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines
8. Will Falling in Love Help You Learn Swedish Faster?

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1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date

So, you have met your Swedish love interest. Congratulations! Who knows where this could take you…?! However, the two of you have just met and you’re not ready to say the Swedish word for love just yet. Great, it is better to get to know him/her first. Wow your prospective love by using these Swedish date phrases to set up a spectacular first date.

Would you like to go out to dinner with me?

• Skulle du vilja gå ut och äta med mig?

The important question! In most cultures, this phrase indicates: ‘I’m romantically interested in you’. Flirting in Swedish is no different, so don’t take your date to Mcdonald’s!

Are you free this weekend?

• Är du ledig i helgen?

This is a preamble to asking your love interest on a date. If you get an immediate ‘Yes’, that’s good news!

Would you like to hang out with me?

• Skulle du vilja hänga med mig?

You like her/him, but you’re not sure if there’s chemistry. Ask them to hang out first to see if a dinner date is next.

What time shall we meet tomorrow?

• När ska vi ses imorgon?

Set a time, and be sure to arrive early! Nothing spoils a potential relationship more than a tardy date.

Where shall we meet?

• Vart ska vi ses?

You can ask this, but also suggest a place.

You look great.

• Du ser jättebra ut.

A wonderful ice breaker! This phrase will help them relax a bit – they probably took great care to look their best just for you.

You are so cute.

• Du är så söt.

If the two of you are getting on really well, this is a fun, flirtatious phrase to use.

What do you think of this place?

• Vad tror du om det här stället?

This another good conversation starter. Show off your Swedish language skills!

Can I see you again?

• Kan jag få träffa dig igen?

So the date went really well – don’t waste time! Make sure you will see each other again.

Shall we go somewhere else?

• Ska vi gå någon annanstans?

If the place you meet at is not great, you can suggest going elsewhere. It is also a good question to follow the previous one. Variety is the spice of life!

I know a good place.

• Jag vet ett bra ställe.

Use this with the previous question. However, don’t say if you don’t know a good place!

I will drive you home.

• Jag kör hem dig.

If your date doesn’t have transport, this is a polite, considerate offer. However, don’t be offended if she/he turns you down on the first date. Especially a woman might not feel comfortable letting you drive her home when the two of you are still basically strangers.

That was a great evening.

• Det här var en jättebra kväll.

This is a good phrase to end the evening with.

When can I see you again?

• När kan jag träffa dig igen?

If he/she replied ‘Yes’ to ‘Can I see you again?’, this is the next important question.

I’ll call you.

• Jag ringer dig.

Say this only if you really mean to do it. In many cultures, this could imply that you’re keeping the proverbial backdoor open.

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2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date

You learned all the Swedish phrases to make a date – congratulations! Now you have to decide where to meet, which can be tricky. Discuss these options with your lover to gauge whether you like the same things. Check out romantic date ideas in Swedish below!

museum

• muséum

If you’re looking for unique date ideas that are fun but won’t break the bank, museums are the perfect spot! You won’t be running out of things to say in the conversations.

go to the aquarium

• gå till akvariet

Going to the aquarium is another good idea if you need topics for conversation, or if you need to impress your lover’s kids! Make sure your date doesn’t have a problem with aquariums.

walk on the beach

• gå på stranden

This can be a very romantic stroll, especially at night! The sea is often associated with romance and beauty.

have a picnic

• ha en picknick

If you and your date need to get more comfortable together, this can be a fantastic date. Spending time in nature is soothing and calms the nerves.

cook a meal together

• laga mat tillsammans

If you want to get an idea of your date’s true character in one go, this is an excellent date! You will quickly see if the two of you can work together in a confined space. If it works, it will be fantastic for the relationship and create a sense of intimacy. If not, you will probably part ways!

have dinner and see a movie

• äta mat och se en film

This is traditional date choice works perfectly well. Just make sure you and your date like the same kind of movies!

candlelit dinner

• middag med tända ljus

A candlelit dinner is perhaps best to reserve for when the relationship is getting serious. It’s very intimate, and says: “Romance!” It’s a fantastic choice if you’re sure you and your date are in love with each other!

go to the zoo

• gå till en djurpark

This is a good choice for shy lovers who want to get the conversation going. Just make sure your date likes zoos, as some people dislike them. Maybe not for the first date, but this is also a great choice if your lover has children – you’ll win his/her adoration for inviting them along!

go for a long walk

• ta en lång promenad

Need to talk about serious stuff, or just want to relax with your date? Walking together is soothing, and a habit you can keep up together always! Just make sure it’s a beautiful walk that’s not too strenuous.

go to the opera

• gå på opera

This type of date should only be attempted if both of you love the opera. It can be a special treat, followed by a candlelit dinner!

3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary

Expressing your feelings honestly is very important in any relationship all year round. Yet, on Valentine’s Day you really want to shine. Impress your lover this Valentine’s with your excellent vocabulary, and make his/her day! We teach you, in fun, effective ways, the meanings of the words and how to pronounce them. You can also copy the characters and learn how to write ‘I love you’ in Swedish – think how impressed your date will be!

4. Swedish Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day

So, you now have the basic Valentine’s Day vocabulary under your belt. Well done! But, do you know how to say ‘I love you’ in Swedish yet? Or perhaps you are still only friends. So, do you know how to say ‘I like you’ or ‘I have a crush on you’ in Swedish? No? Don’t worry, here are all the love phrases you need to bowl over your Swedish love on this special day!

You mean so much to me.

• Du betyder så mycket för mig.

This is a beautiful expression of gratitude that will enhance any relationship! It makes the receiver feel appreciated and their efforts recognized.

Will you be my Valentine?

• Vill du bli min Valentin?

With these words, you are taking your relationship to the next level! Or, if you have been a couple for a while, it shows that you still feel the romance. So, go for it!

You’re so beautiful.

• Du är så vacker.

If you don’t know how to say ‘You’re pretty’ in Swedish, this is a good substitute, gentlemen!

I think of you as more than a friend.

• Jag ser dig som mer än en vän.

Say this if you are not yet sure that your romantic feelings are reciprocated. It is also a safe go-to if you’re unsure about the Swedish dating culture.

A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you.

• Hundra hjärtan skulle vara för få för att bära all min kärlek till dig.

You romantic you…! When your heart overflows with love, this would be the best phrase to use.

Love is just love. It can never be explained.

• Kärlek är bara kärlek. Det kan aldrig förklaras.

If you fell in love unexpectedly or inexplicably, this one’s for you.

You’re so handsome.

• Du är så snygg.

Ladies, this phrase lets your Swedish love know how much you appreciate his looks! Don’t be shy to use it; men like compliments too.

I’ve got a crush on you.

• Jag är förtjust i dig.

If you like someone, but you’re unsure about starting a relationship, it would be prudent to say this. It simply means that you like someone very, very much and think they’re amazing.

You make me want to be a better man.

• Du får mig att vilja bli en bättre man.

Gentlemen, don’t claim this phrase as your own! It hails from the movie ‘As Good as it Gets’, but it is sure to make your Swedish girlfriend feel very special. Let her know that she inspires you!

Let all that you do be done in love.

• Gör allting i kärlek.

We hope.

You are my sunshine, my love.

• Du är mitt solsken, min älskling.

A compliment that lets your lover know they bring a special quality to your life. Really nice!

Words can’t describe my love for you.

• Ord kan inte beskriva min kärlek till dig.

Better say this when you’re feeling serious about the relationship! It means that your feelings are very intense.

We were meant to be together.

• Vi var menade att vara tillsammans.

This is a loving affirmation that shows you see a future together, and that you feel a special bond with your partner.

If you were thinking about someone while reading this, you’re definitely in love.

• Om du tänkte på någon när du läste detta, är du definitivt kär.

Here’s something fun to tease your lover with. And hope he/she was thinking of you!

I love you.

• Jag älskar dig.

Saying ‘I love you’ in Swedish carries the same weight as in all languages. Use this only if you’re sure and sincere about your feelings for your partner/friend.

5. Swedish Quotes about Love

You’re a love champ! You and your Swedish lover are getting along fantastically, your dates are awesome, your Valentine’s Day together was spectacular, and you’re very much in love. Good for you! Here are some beautiful phrases of endearment in Swedish that will remind him/her who is in your thoughts all the time.

6. Marriage Proposal Lines

Wow. Your Swedish lover is indeed the love of your life – congratulations! And may only happiness follow the two of you! In most traditions, the man asks the woman to marry; this is also the Swedish custom. Here are a few sincere and romantic lines that will help you to ask your lady-love for her hand in marriage.

7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines

Instead of moving towards marriage or a long-term relationship, you find that the spark is not there for you. That is a pity! But even though breaking up is never easy, continuing a bad or unfulfilling relationship would be even harder. Remember to be kind to the person you are going to say goodbye to; respect and sensitivity cost nothing. Here are some phrases to help you break up gently.

8. Will Falling in Love help you Learn Swedish faster?

Most people will agree that the above statement is a no-brainer – of course it will! Your body will be flooded with feel-good hormones, which are superb motivators for anything. SwedishPod101 is one of the best portals to help help make this a reality, so don’t hesitate to enroll now! Let’s quickly look at the reasons why falling in love will speed up your learning of the Swedish language.

Three Reasons Why Having a Lover will Help you Learn Swedish Faster!

1- Being in a love relationship with your Swedish speaking partner will immerse you in the culture
SwedishPod101 uses immersive methods and tools to teach you Swedish, but having a relationship with a native speaker will be a very valuable addition to your learning experience! You will gain exposure to their world, realtime and vividly, which will make the language come alive even more for you. The experience is likely to expand your world-view, which should motivate you to learn Swedish even faster.

2- Having your Swedish romantic partner will mean more opportunity to practice speaking
Nothing beats continuous practice when learning a new language. Your partner will probably be very willing to assist you in this, as your enhanced Swedish language skills will enhance the relationship. Communication is, after all, one of the most important pillars of a good partnership. Also, you will get to impress your lover with the knowledge gained through your studies – a win/win situation!

3- A supportive Swedish lover is likely to make a gentle, patient teacher and study aid!
With his/her heart filled with love and goodwill for you, your Swedish partner is likely to patiently and gently correct your mistakes when you speak. This goes not only for grammar, but also for accent and meaning. With his/her help, you could sound like a native in no time!

Three Reasons Why SwedishPod101 helps you learn Swedish Even Faster when you’re In Love

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1- All the Resources and Materials Will Help Both of You
Falling in love with a man or woman speaking Swedish is an opportunity for both of you to learn a new language! For this reason, every lesson, transcript, vocabulary list, and resource at SwedishPod101 is translated into both English and Swedish. So, while your partner can help you learn Swedish faster, you can potentially also help him/her learn and master English!

2- Lessons Are Designed to Help You Understand and Engage with Swedish Culture
At SwedishPod101, our focus is to help our students learn practical vocabulary and phrases used by everyday people in Sweden. This means that, from your very first lesson, you can apply what you learn immediately! So, when your Swedish partner wants to go out to a restaurant, play Pokemon Go, or attend just about any social function, you have the vocabulary and phrases necessary to have a great time!

3- Access to Special Resources Dedicated to Romantic Swedish Phrases
You now have access to SwedishPod101’s specially-developed sections and tools to teach you love words, phrases, and cultural insights to help you find and attract your Swedish soul mate. A personal tutor will assist you to master these brilliantly – remember to invite him/her to your wedding!

All social interactions have to begin somehow, and the most common way to start a conversation in Swedish is to exchange greeting phrases. So how do you say hello in Swedish? Well, the most common Swedish word for hello is hej, though there are several more ways of saying hello in Swedish, both informal and formal.

For example:

• Hallå
• Hej hej
• God morgon
• God eftermiddag
• God kväll
• Tjena
• Tja

How do you know which of these greetings to use and when? Don’t worry—we’ve sorted it out for you.

All of these words mean hello, but some are informal, others are formal, some are slang, and others are used only in specific situations. The choice of a particular greeting phrase in Swedish can signify social status, how close you are as friends, and what roles you have in relation to each other.

Are you greeting a colleague, a manager, a close friend, or a family member? Swedes like to be informal and create a nice, easygoing atmosphere. For this reason, it can be difficult to decode the nuances and choose which greeting to use.

In this article, we’ll outline various ways to say hello and goodbye in Swedish, and guide you through how and when to use them. Are you ready? Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

1. Saying Hello in Swedish: Things You Should Know
2. Hello in Swedish: Formal vs. Informal
3. The Most Common Swedish Greeting Words
4. How to Say “How are You?” in Swedish
5. Slang and Funny Expressions
6. Longer Swedish Greeting Phrases
7. Saying Goodbye in Swedish
8. Conclusion

1. Saying Hello in Swedish: Things You Should Know

Whether greeting a friend, a stranger, a work colleague, or a manager, Swedes don’t use titles such as Mr., Mrs., Miss, or even the last name. In Sweden, everyone greets each other on a first name basis, even in more formal settings. Swedes simply like to create a nice atmosphere, and are very non-hierarchical and laidback.

When you meet someone you don’t know well or who you’re meeting for the first time, in Sweden it’s common to shake hands. But between friends and colleagues (and sometimes even between the manager and employees!) a hej, or “hello,” and a hug is a common way to greet each other. Hugs are nice, and so are Swedes!

Now, let’s look at how to say hello in Swedish when answering the phone, and what else to expect during greetings.

1- Answering a Phone Call

When answering the phone in Swedish, it usually suffices to say a simple Hallå! or “Hello!” and then to present yourself with your first name:

• Hallå! Det här är Stina.
  “Hello! This is Stina.”
• Hej! Det är Anna, hur mår du?
  “Hello! It’s Anna, how are you?”
• Det är bra! Hur mår du?
  “All good! How are you?”

Swedes usually answer the phone at work by using a greeting phrase, like Hallå! (“Hello!”), their full name, and the company name:

• Hej! Du talar med Kalle Persson på Kalles företag.
  “Hello! You are talking to Kalle Persson at Kalle’s Company.”

They can also answer by saying their name and the company name like this:

• Kalle Persson, Kalles företag.
  “Kalle Persson, Kalle’s Company.”

When the call has been answered, Swedes often add another hello to the conversation before continuing:

• Hej! Du talar med Kalle Persson på Kalles företag.
  “Hello! You are talking to Kalle Persson at Kalle’s Company.”
• Hej! Det här är Anna Karlsson på Annas företag.
  “Hello! This is Anna Karlsson at Anna’s Company.”
• Hej hej! Vad trevlig att höra ifrån dig!
  “Hello Hello! How nice to hear from you!”

2- Hello, Hello

It’s common for Swedes to repeat the greeting phrase several times, like in the example above. For example, Hej, hej (“Hello, hello” ) or tjena, tjena (a more informal “Hello, hello”). Sometimes Swedes also repeat the greeting word twice when initiating a call.

• Hallå, hallå!
  “Hello, hello!”
• Hallå, hallå! Det är Anna här, hur mår du?
  “Hello, hello! Anna here, how are you?”

2. Hello in Swedish: Formal vs. Informal

1- Formal (Work)

How do Swedish people greet each other in the workplace?

Using slang at work isn’t a good idea in Sweden. A happy Shobre, which is slang for “What’s up?” can create a bad atmosphere. This is because not everyone is familiar with slang, and the communication in the workplace and between colleagues in Sweden is slightly more formal than between friends.

When you get to work, you can use a Hej, hej (“Hello, hello” ) if you don’t work in a more formal workplace like a bank. If you work in a more formal workplace, it might be better to say Hej (“Hello”), God morgon (“Good morning”), God dag (“Good day”), or God eftermiddag (“Good afternoon”).

2- Informal (Friends)

When close friends say hello in Swedish, slang is often used.

Depending on how close you are, an informal hello in Swedish can be tjena, tjenamors, tja, tjingtjong, hallå hallå, or even a shobre. Which greeting phrase you choose simply depends on how informal or playful you are with each other. A “hej” or “hej, hej” always works.

Some friends have their own expressions and greetings, such as Tjena mittbena! (“Hello middle legs”), Hej din gamla älg! (“Hello you old moose!”), or Tjena, tjena, hallå! (“Hello” three times in three different ways).

There are countless variations of greeting phrases between friends, and as long as everyone involved is in consensus about what you mean, almost anything is okay.

3. The Most Common Swedish Greeting Words

As you understand, there are countless ways to say hello in Swedish. Some can be used everywhere, such as Hej, hej, while others are linked to different social contexts. Some of the most common and versatile informal and formal ways to say hello are:

Informal hellos:

• Hej
• Hej hej
• Hejsan
• Tja
• Tjena
• Morsning
• Tjenamors
• Tjing
• Tjingtjong
• Haj
• Tjohoo
• Tjänis
• Hallå
• Hejsan

Hellos that work in all contexts:

• Hej
• Hej hej
• Hallå
• Hejsan

4. How to Say “How are You?” in Swedish

Another useful phrase to know is “Hello, how are you?” in Swedish.

It’s good to know that if a Swede asks you how you are, they really want to know how you are and aren’t just being polite. They also expect you to ask them how they are and listen to their reply.

In Swedish culture, the question Hur mår du? (“How are you?” ) is an important part of the conversation. All conversation beginnings include asking, waiting for the answer, and then returning the question:

• Hej!
  “Hello!”
• Hej, hej!
  “Hello, hello!”
• Hur mår du?
  “How are you?”
• Allt är bra, tack! Hur mår du själv?
  “All is good, thanks! How are you?”
• Det är bra tack!
  “All is good, thanks!”

You can also say Hur är det? (“How are things?”), which is just as common.

• Hej.
  “Hello.”
• Hejsan, hur är allt?
  “Hi, how are things?”
• Fullt upp som vanligt. Hur är allt med dig?
  “Busy as always. How are things with you?”
• Bara bra, tack!
  “It’s fine, thanks!”

5. Slang and Funny Expressions

Yo, helu, and halu are some funny and slightly different ways of saying hello and are all fairly common. Finnish Swedes, for example, use moj and mojn. On the other hand, shobre and shululu, which mean “Hello” or “What’s up?”, are mainly considered a bit “ghetto,” but are commonly used between friends.

For example, an initial conversation might sound like this:

• Shobre!
  “Hello!”
• Shobre, vad händer yao?
  “Hello, what’s up with you?”

6. Longer Swedish Greeting Phrases

In addition to the shorter greeting phrases, there’s a long line of more informal and pretty funny phrases used to say hello in Swedish. These include: Morsning Korsning (“Hello Crossing”), Hallå där, köp blåbär! (“Hello there, buy blueberries!”), Hej i lingonskogen! (“Hello in the lingonberry forest!”), or Hallå din gamla räv! (“Hello you old fox!”).

Other examples of longer greeting phrases in Swedish are:

• Hur är läget?
  Informal “How are you?”
• Hur mår du?
  “How are you?”
• Det är trevligt att träffa dig igen.
  “It’s nice to meet you again.”
• Hur är din dag?
  “How is your day?”
• Det var länge sedan!
  “Haven’t seen you in a long time!”
• Hur har du haft det?
  “How have you been?”

Saying hello in Swedish can also use a play on words. For example, a common way of playfully saying hello among really close friends is: Tack och hej, leverpastej! (“Thank you goodbye, liver pie!”).

Swedes love borrowing words and expressions from other languages, but prefer to pronounce them in Swedish. One can say that Swedes “Swedify” any words they like and reuse them for their purposes.

Hello, come and help me?

Say what? Yes, Swedish is sometimes a little confusing. When someone says Hej, kom och hjälp mig (“Hello, come and help me”), they don’t mean hello or that they need help. What they mean is that something is ugly, bad, a mess, or bonkers.

• Hon såg ut som hej kom och hjälp mig på festen igår!
  “She looked like hello come and help me at the party yesterday!”
  (“She looked like a complete mess at the party yesterday!” )
• Oj! Det låter inte bra.
  “Oops! That does not sound good.”

7. Saying Goodbye in Swedish

There are several ways of saying goodbye to someone in Swedish, but luckily not as many as there are for saying hello. The most common informal goodbye phrases are Hej hej and Hej då.

In Sweden, there are also local varieties, whereof Hare gött and Ajöken are quite common. Also, Vi ses! (“I’ll see you!” ) and Vi hörs! (“We’ll keep in touch!” ) are very common ways of saying goodbye in any situation.

For more formal ways of saying goodbye, the Hej, hej and Hej då always work well. For even more formal endings to a conversation, you can use God morgon (“Good morning”), God dag (“Good day”), God kväll or God afton (“Good evening”).

8. Conclusion

Online learning systems abound, and it’s not easy to know which one will suit your needs best. This means you have to be careful and select a system with a good reputation, and that has proven longevity. SwedishPod101, which is part of InnovativeLearning.com, ticks all the boxes! With millions of lesson downloads and over a decade of teaching, we can say with confidence that this is one of the best language learning systems on the web. Why is it such an excellent system? Let us count the ways…

1- Video Presentations with Native Speakers

Friendly native Swedish speakers guide you step-by-step through the process of learning vocabulary, phrases and much more. They demonstrate correct pronunciation and emphasis of the words, so as to ensure that you speak like a native when you’re done! Watching the enthusiastic tutors makes not only for a pleasant and more personal experience – it also allows you to copy mouth and lip movements. It’s like learning from your own Swedish friend in your own home!

2- Superb Flexibility with 24/7 Access to Learning Material – Anywhere and on Any Device connected to the Internet!

PC, Android, iPhone, iPad, laptop, even TV – whatever device you prefer! Go online with our FREE app to do your lessons, no matter where you are or which device you are using. All you need is a good internet connection to log on and learn to speak Swedish at your own pace, in your own place!

3- Pronunciation Tool Ensures You Really Speak Swedish!

In any language, correct pronunciation is often crucial. The nuances in language require this, or you could find yourself saying things you don’t mean. You will find our Pronunciation Tool invaluable to wrap your mouth around the correct way to greet in Swedish!

4- Our Content is Always New and Dynamic

Every week, new audio and video lessons are uploaded, so as to keep our promise that learning Swedish with SwedishPod101 is always fun and exciting! In addition, you will get access to bonus material and basic Swedish phrases. These are a fantastic way to build your comprehension and speaking skills!

5- Need to Fast Track your Learning? We Have the Solution!

Most learning activities are more fun when you’re not doing them alone. For this reason we developed Premium PLUS, which gives you a personal tutor – 24/7! Also, this way you’re likely to learn to speak Swedish much faster!

So, if our lively Swedish blog is not enough for you, just upgrade to Premium PLUS to get your very own teacher. Personalised goals and lessons based on your needs, assessment of your progress, non-stop feedback and many other super features makes this a very attractive option.

Say ‘Hello’ to a wonderful, exciting way to learn another language, and learn how to say ‘Hello’ in Swedish in no time! You will be very happy you did!

Most everyone is familiar with this day, as it is celebrated nearly everywhere the world. Yet, when exactly is April Fools’ Day? And where did April Fools come from? April Fools’ Day is observed on April 1st every year. This day of jokes and pranks is believed to have stemmed from the 16th-century calendar change in France, when New Year’s Day was moved from April 1 to January 1. This action was taken due to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar.

However, a few people were resistant to the calendar change, so they continued to observe New Year’s Day on April 1st, rather than the new date. They were referred to as the “April Fools”, and others started playing mocking tricks on them. This custom endured, and is practiced to this day around the world!

Table of Contents

1. Top One Million Words You Need to Know for April Fools’ Day
2. Swedish Phrases You Can Use on April Fools’ Day
3. Some of the Coolest April Fools’ Pranks To Play on Anybody
4. How Can SwedishPod101 Make Your April Fools’ Day Special?
5. Top 1000 Most Useful Phrases in Swedish – Testing New Technology

1. Top One Million Words You Need to Know for April Fools’ Day

Do you want to know how to say April Fools’ Day in Swedish? Well, there are millions of ways and words, but here are the top one million Swedish words you really need to know! Simply click this link. Here are some of them you will find useful:

1. English – Target – Roman
2. joke – skämta
3. funny – rolig
4. surprise – överraska
5. sneaky – lömsk
6. prankster – upptågsmakare
7. prank – spratt
8. humor – humor
9. fool – dumbom
10. lie – ljuga
11. deceptive – vilseledande
12. play a joke – spela ett spratt

2. Swedish Phrases You Can Use on April Fools’ Day

Don’t limit yourself to practical jokes – use these April Fools’ phrases in Swedish to prank your favorite Swedish friend or colleague!

1. I learned Swedish in 1 month.
   • Jag lärde mig svenska på 1 månad.
2. All classes for today got canceled.
   • Alla dagens lektioner har blivit inställda.
3. I’m sorry, but I’ve just broken your favorite pair of glasses.
   • Jag är ledsen, men jag har just haft sönder dina favoritglasögon.
4. Someone has just hit your car.
   • Någon har precis krockat med din bil.
5. I’m getting married.
   • Jag ska gifta mig.
6. You won a free ticket.
   • Du vann en fribiljett.
7. I saw your car being towed.
   • Jag såg din bil bli bogserad.
8. They’re giving away free gift cards in front of the building.
   • De ger bort gratis presentkort framför byggnaden.
9. A handsome guy is waiting for you outside.
   • En snygg kille väntar på dig utanför.
10. A beautiful lady asked me to give this phone number to you.
    • En vacker kvinna bad mig att ge det här telefonnumret till dig.
11. Can you come downstairs? I have something special for you.
    • Kan du komma ner? Jag har något speciellt till dig.
12. Thank you for your love letter this morning. I never could have guessed your feelings.
    • Tack för ditt kärleksbrev imorse. Jag hade ingen aning om att du kände så här.

Choose your victims carefully, though; the idea is to get them to laugh with you, not to hurt their feelings or humiliate them in front of others. Be extra careful if you choose to play a prank on your boss – you don’t want to antagonize them with an inappropriate joke.

3. Some of the Coolest April Fools’ Pranks To Play on Anybody

Right, now that you know the top million April Fools’ words in Swedish, let’s look at some super pranks and tricks to play on friends, colleagues and family. Some April Fools ideas never grow old, while new ones are born every year.

Never joke in such a way that it hurts anyone, or humiliates them badly in front of others – the idea is for everybody to laugh and enjoy the fun! Respect is still key, no matter what day of the year it is.

1- Infestation

This trick is so simple, yet so creepy, it’s almost unbelievable. Take black paper, cut out the silhouette of a giant cockroach, a spider or another insect, and stick it inside the lampshade of a table lamp. When the lamp is switched on, it will look like a monstrous insect is sitting inside the lampshade. Or, get a whole lot of realistic-looking plastic insects, and spread them over a colleague’s desk and chair, or, at home, over the kids’ beds etc. Creep-factor: stellar.

2- Which One Doesn’t Fit?

Put the photo of a celebrity or a notorious politician in a frame, and take it to work on April Fools’ Day. Hang the photo on the staff picture wall, and wait. You’ll be surprised how long it can take for people to notice that one picture doesn’t fit.

3- Something Weird in the Restroom

At work, replace the air freshener in the restroom with something noxious like insect killer, oven cleaner or your own odious mixture in a spray bottle. Be sure to cover the bottle’s body so no one suspects a swap.

Or paint a bar of soap with clear nail polish, and leave it at the hand wash basin. It will not lather.

Or, if your workplace’s restroom has partitioned toilets with short doors, arrange jeans or trousers and shoes on all but one of the toilet covers, so it looks like every stall is occupied. Now wait for complaints, and see how long it takes for someone to figure out the April Fools’ Day prank. You’ll probably wish you had a camera inside the restroom. But, unless you don’t mind getting fired, don’t put your own recording device in there!

4- Call Me Funny

Prepare and print out a few posters with the following instructions: Lion Roar Challenge! Call this number – 123-456-7890 – and leave your best lion’s roar as voicemail! Best roarer will be announced April 10 in the cafeteria. Prize: $100. (Lion’s roar is just an example; you can use any animal call, or even a movie character’s unique sound, such as Chewbacca from Star Wars. The weirder, the funnier. Obviously!) Put the posters up in the office where most of the staff is likely to see them. Now wait for the owner of the number to visit you with murderous intent. Have a conciliatory gift ready that’s not a prank.

5- Minty Cookies

This is another simple but hugely effective prank – simply separate iced cookies, scrape off the icing, and replace it with toothpaste. Serve during lunch or tea break at work, or put in your family’s lunch boxes. Be sure to take photos of your victim’s faces when they first bite into your April Fools’ cookies.

6- Wild Shopping

At your local grocer, place a realistic-looking plastic snake or spider among the fresh vegetables. Now wait around the corner for the first yell.

7- The Oldest Trick in the Book

Don’t forget probably the oldest, yet very effective April Fools’ joke in the book – smearing hand cream or Vaseline on a door handle that most staff, family or friends are likely to use. Yuck to the max!

8- Sneeze On Me

Another golden oldie is also gross, yet harmless and utterly satisfying as a prank. Fill a small spray bottle that you can easily conceal with water. Walk past a friend, colleague or one of your kids, and fake a sneeze while simultaneously spraying them with a bit of water. Expect to be called a totally disgusting person. Add a drop of lovely smelling essential oil to the water for extra confusion.

9- Word Play Repairs

Put a fresh leek in the hand wash basin at home or work, and then tell your housemates or colleagues this: “There’s a huge leak in the restroom/bathroom basin, it’s really serious. Please can someone go have a look?!” Expect exasperation and smiles all around. Note that this prank is only likely to work where people understand English well.

10- Scary Face

Print out a very scary face on an A4 sheet of paper, and place it in a colleague’s, or one of your kid’s drawers, so it’s the first thing they see when they open the drawer. You may not be very popular for a while.

11- Wake Up To Madness

Put foamy shaving cream, or real whipped cream on your hand, and wake your kid up by tickling their nose with it. As long as they get the joke, this could be a wonderful and fun way to start April Fools’ Day.

12- Computer Prank

This one’s fabulous, if you have a bit of time to fiddle with a colleague, friend or your kid’s computer. It is most effective on a computer where most of the icons they use are on the desktop background itself (as opposed to on the bottom task bar).

Take and save a screenshot of their desktop with the icons. Set this screenshot as their background image. Now delete all the working icons. When they return to their computer, wait for the curses when no amount of clicking on the icons works.

13- Monster Under the Cup

This one will also work well anywhere people meet. Take a paper cup, and write the following on it in black pen: “Danger! Don’t lift, big spider underneath.” Place it upside-down on prominent flat surface, such as a kitchen counter, a colleague’s desk or a restaurant table. Expect some truly interesting responses.

14- Prank Door

Write in large letters on a large and noticeable piece of paper: PUSH. Tape this notice on a door that should be pulled to open, and watch the hilarious struggle of those clever souls who actually read signs.

4. How Can SwedishPod101 Make Your April Fools’ Day Special?

If you happen to visit Sweden, or if you work for any Swedish company, knowing the above Swedish prankster phrases can really lighten up your day. Showing you have a sense of humor can go a long way to cement good relationships in any situation. These phrases are at your disposal for free, as well as are these 100 core Swedish words, which you will learn how to pronounce perfectly.

Also, don’t stop at learning April Fools’ phrases in Swedish – bone up your Swedish language skills with these FREE key phrases. Yes, SwedishPod101 doesn’t joke when it comes to effective, fun and easy learning.

Now, as a bonus, test our super-learning technology, and learn the Top 1000 most useful phrases in Swedish below! But that’s not all. Read on to learn how you can be eligible for large enrollment discounts at SwedishPod101.

5. Top 1000 Most Useful Phrases in Swedish – testing new technology

Help us by being a language guinea pig! Listen to this video above with embedded cutting-edge, frequency-based learning technology that enables you to learn large amounts of data in record time.

• Note: This technology is in beta-phase of development, and we invite your input for fine-tuning.
• To participate: Watch the video for instructions, and leave a comment to rate it. Your comment will make you eligible for large enrollment-fee discounts. To watch the video, please click the play button.

Thank you for helping SwedishPod101! We’re serious about making learning Swedish fun.

Not only is it possible to learn Swedish in your car, there are 3 great benefits that will help you master the language faster and with less effort.

With everyone so pressed for time these days, it might seem like a daydream to believe that you could learn Swedish in your car—but it’s not! Thanks to a wide range of new technologies and resources, learning a language in your car is easier than ever. Not only is it easy to learn a language while driving, there are actually a number of benefits, especially if the lessons are part of a structured learning program like SwedishPod101. Here are three specific benefits to learning Swedish or any other new language in your car.

Create Your Free Account and Learn Swedish from the Very Beginning!

1. Transform Downtime into Progress

How much time do you spend commuting to and from work? Learning a language in your car transforms your commute time into tangible progress towards your dream. So instead of being stressed over how much time you are “wasting” on errands and daily commutes, you can decompress and have some fun while you learn Swedish in your car!

2. Daily Exposure Leads to Passive Learning

Practice makes perfect and learning a new language is no different. The daily exposure you get when you learn Swedish while driving helps improve listening comprehension, pronunciation, and of course helps build vocabulary and improve grammar. Don’t worry: You don’t need to memorize everything as you listen in Swedish while driving. Just having continuous exposure to a foreign language helps you improve your vocabulary, learn faster, and ultimately retain more through passive learning.

3. Learning While Driving is Fun

Learning a new language does require a serious commitment, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! When you learn Swedish in your car, you get to take some time away from the PC or smartphone and immerse yourself in the language instead of just “studying” it.

Plus, there are a number of “fun” activities that you can do and still learn in your car, such as:
– Singing Along with Swedish Songs
– Playing Word Games or Trivia
– Just Listening Along and Seeing How Much You Can Pick Up and Understand

Yes, you can learn a language while driving and have loads of fun doing it. Now let’s take a look at some specific things you can listen to while driving to help you learn a new language.

BONUS: 3 Ways to Learn Swedish in Your Car

–Listen to Podcasts: Typically designed to focus on one topic or lesson, podcasts are a great way to learn a language while driving. Unfortunately, podcasts are rarely at the same listening/comprehension level as the language learner so listeners may not get their full value. But at SwedishPod101, our podcasts are created for every skill level so you don’t waste any time on material that isn’t relevant or suited to your exact needs.

–Sing Along to Swedish Songs: Remember, just immersing yourself in a language can create passive learning and improve your pronunciation. Plus, with SwedishPod101, you can sing along and memorize the lyrics, and then look the words up and add them to your personal dictionary.

–Playing Word Games or Trivia: There are audio games available online that you can download to any media device and listen to on your commute. Although we recommend this option for more advanced users, games are a fun and productive way to learn Swedish in your car because they require listening and comprehension skills.

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You won’t recognize or understand every word you hear in a Swedish song, podcast, or game—but that’s ok. The daily repetition and immersion in the language leads to passive learning that gradually increases your knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. And the greater your foundation in grammar and vocabulary, the more you’ll understand and learn from the audio lessons, podcasts, or whatever you listen to while learning Swedish in your car.

Yes, you can learn Swedish while driving because it leads to passive learning via daily immersion in the language. Although you may not understand all or even most of what you hear at first, the exposure helps improve pronunciation, vocabulary, and even grammar over time. Learning a language while driving also helps transform your commute into exciting “exotic adventures” that secretly teach you Swedish in the process. Podcasts, songs, and even games can all help you learn Swedish in your car while eliminating the “boring commute” in the process!

At SwedishPod101, we have more than 2500+ HD audio lessons and podcasts for every skill level that you can download and use to learn Swedish while driving!
So don’t forget to sign up for a Free Lifetime Account on SwedishPod101.com to access tons of FREE lessons and features to become fluent in Swedish!