The Sweden All Saints’ Day holiday is, above all else, a day to remember and honor those who have passed away. This can be close friends or family members, though traditionally people were meant to remember all the dead saints who didn’t have their own special day.
In this article, you’ll learn about All Saints’ Day in Sweden, from its history to how people observe it today.
At SwedishPod101.com, we hope to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative!
1. What is All Saints’ Day?
All Saints’ Day has roots in the 700s, but gained importance in Sweden during the 1900s and was inspired by the Catholic tradition. Looking at Sweden’s Catholic Middle Ages we come across All Saints’ Day for the first time in 1198.
All Saints’ Day is a Catholic tradition aimed at celebrating all the saints who had not received their own day. During the Middle Ages, it was said that this day was also the first official winter day.
After the Reformation in Sweden in the 1500s, they attempted to remove the date from the calendar because the saints did not belong to the Protestant Lutheran belief. The day ended up staying, though.
2. When is All Saints’ Day?
Each year, All Saints’ Day falls on a different date. The holiday falls at the earliest on October 31, and at the latest on November 6, on a Saturday.
For your convenience, here’s a list of this holiday’s date for the next ten years.
2019: November 2
2020: October 31
2021: November 6
2022: November 5
2023: November 4
2024: November 2
2025: November 1
2026: October 31
2027: November 6
2028: November 4
3. All Saints’ Day Traditions & Celebrations in Sweden
In Sweden today, people believe that All Saints’ Day should be a day filled with peace and quiet, and you should ideally spend this day with your closest family, mourn, and think of those who have passed away. It’s common to have a nice family meal and a pleasant get-together.
Toward the end of the 1800s, people began to light candles at graves, mostly in the bigger cities. To light candles at graves was not entirely unknown in Sweden before then, but it was traditionally done on Christmas Eve. People didn’t start lighting candles at graves for All Saints’ Day until after World War II. They believed that in connection with the end of summer and the beginning of winter, the dead returned home and needed to be guided back by the candles and fires.
4. The Original Date
Before 1953, All Saints’ Day always took place on November 1.
The date change has confused some people who used to celebrate All Saints’ Day on November 1, so there’s actually another day with nearly the same name (allahelgonadagen) which falls on this day.
Further, the peasant society used November 1 to predict the weather. They thought that if the sun didn’t shine long enough that you could saddle a horse, the winter would be very snowy.
5. Essential All Saints’ Day Vocabulary
Here’s some must-know Swedish vocabulary for All Saints’ Day!
To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, and to see them accompanied by relevant images, be sure to check out our Swedish All Saints’ Day vocabulary list!
Final Words
We hope you enjoyed learning about the Swedish All Saints’ Day with us, and that you took away something valuable from this lesson.
Learning about different countries’ cultures is fun and rewarding, and probably the most enriching aspect of trying to master a language. If you would like to continue delving into Swedish culture, you may find the following pages interesting:
Mastering a new language comes at the price of much hard work and patience. At SwedishPod101.com, we really believe you can learn Swedish, and we’ll be here with help and encouragement on each step of your language-learning journey!
Around the time of the summer solstice, Sweden celebrates Midsummer. Midsummer Sweden celebrations and traditions, such as its Midsummer magic beliefs, offer a close look at Swedish culture as a whole. And as any successful language-learner can attest to, understanding a country’s culture is essential in mastering language!
At SwedishPod101.com, we hope to make this learning journey both fun and informative for you, as we go over the details of the Midsummer festival Sweden celebrates each year.
1. What is Midsummer in Sweden?
Midsummer is celebrated near the summer solstice, which is the date when the day is the longest and the night is the shortest. The origin of celebrating this day is really just to enjoy the longest day of the year. The correct day to celebrate Midsummer should really be June 21, when the summer solstice typically occurs.
Midsummer is, strangely enough, not a public holiday in Sweden, even if it’s described in the law text in the same manner as other holidays like Christmas and Easter Saturday.
Midsummer Sweden celebrations used to be of a more pagan nature, before the Christian church Christianized the holiday in the 1300 and 1400s. This involved trying to get people to use the day as a commemoration of St. John, but most Swedes didn’t go along with this. Today, Midsummer Day can be described as a mixed holiday, with some celebrating its religious nature and others just enjoying the warm, long day.
2. When is Midsummer Day?
The date of the Midsummer Day in Sweden varies each year, but is always on a day between the 20th and 26th of June. For your convenience, here’s a list of this holiday’s date for the next ten years.
2019: June 22
2020: June 20
2021: June 26
2022: June 25
2023: June 24
2024: June 22
2025: June 21
2026: June 20
2027: June 26
2028: June 24
3. Reading Practice: Midsummer Sweden Celebrations
How do Swedes celebrate Midsummer Day? On Midsummer Day, Sweden has a variety of traditions. Midsummer Eve Sweden traditions include good food, drinking songs, and much more. Read the Swedish text below to discover more about Midsummer Sweden celebrations, and find the English translation directly below it.
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På midsommarafton är det tradition att resa en midsommarstång. Midsommarstången är utformad som ett kors och kläs med björklöv och blommor. Sedan dansar man i stor grupp runt stången och sjunger olika sånger, ofta ackompanjerat av dragspel. Kvinnor och barn brukar göra egna kransar av björklöv och blommor som de har i håret. Man får dock akta sig för fästingar!
På midsommar är det nog bra om du är extra försiktig! I samband med midsommar finns en stark tradition av alkoholkonsumtion. Det är vanligt att dricka snaps och sjunga snapsvisor till maten, för att senare på kvällen övergå till lite andra alkoholhaltiga drycker. Detta gör midsommar till en av de dagarna på året då mest fylleri och bråk inträffar. Eftersom midsommar är starten på mångas semester är det många som reser just runt den här tiden. På grund av detta inträffar mycket trafikolyckor.
Små Grodorna är en sång som sjungs när vi dansar runt midsommarstången! Dansen är rolig och de dansande imiterar grodor. Dansen brukar bli extra populär efter ett par snaps!
Maten är också väldigt viktigt i firandet. Man äter matjessill, gräddfil, färskpotatis, och jordgubbar till efterrätt. Till maten dricker man Snaps, öl, och cider.
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On Midsummer Eve it is tradition to put up a maypole. The maypole is shaped like a cross and covered with leaves and flowers. People then dance around the pole in a large group and sing different songs, often accompanied by an accordion. Women and children usually make their own wreaths of leaves and flowers and wear them in their hair. However, one must beware of ticks!
At Midsummer it is probably good if you are extra careful! In conjunction with Midsummer, there is a strong tradition of alcohol consumption. It is common to drink snaps and sing drinking songs to accompany the food, and later on in the evening to continue to drink other alcoholic beverages. This makes Midsummer one of the days of the year when the most drunkenness and fights occur. Since Midsummer is the start of many people’s holiday, a lot of Swedish people are traveling right around this time. Because of this, a higher number of traffic accidents also occurs.
The Small Frogs is the name of a song that is sung when we dance around the maypole! The dance itself is quite funny, as the dancers are imitating frogs. The dance usually becomes extra popular after a few snaps!
In Sweden, there are many supernatural beliefs about Midsummer, often referred to as “Midsummer magic.”
For example, it’s said that if children pick seven or nine flowers, climb over nine field fences, and fall asleep without a word, the child will see its future in their dream.
It’s also said that if you put seven different kinds of flowers under your pillow on Midsummer Eve, you’ll end up dreaming about the person you’ll marry in the future!
5. Useful Vocabulary for Midsummer Day in Sweden
Here’s the most important vocabulary you should know for Midsummer Day in Sweden!
Potatis — “Potato”
Sill — “Herring”
Staket — “Fence”
Dragspel — “Accordion”
Midsommardagen — “Midsummer’s Day”
Dill — “Dill”
Dansa runt stången — “Dance around the pole”
Inlagd sill — “Pickled herring Sweden”
Midsommarkrans — “Midsummer wreath”
Midsommarstång — “Midsummer pole”
Midsommar — “Midsummer”
Jordgubbstårta — “Strawberry cake”
Snaps — “Shot”
Sju sorters blommor — “Seven different kinds of flowers”
To hear each vocabulary word pronounced, check out our Swedish Midsummer Day vocabulary list. Here, each word is accompanied by an audio file of its pronunciation.
Conclusion
What do you think about Midsummer Day celebrations in Sweden? Does your country also have a Midsummer holiday, and if so, are traditions similar or very different to the Midsummer Fest Sweden has? Let us know in the comments! We always love hearing from you. 🙂
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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.
Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)
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.
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.
We need to talk.
Vi måste prata.
This is not really a break-up line, but it is a good conversation opener with a serious tone.
It’s not you. It’s me.
Det är inte du. Det är jag.
As long as you mean it, this can be a kind thing to say. It means that there’s nothing wrong with your Swedish lover as a person, but that you need something different from a relationship.
I’m just not ready for this kind of relationship.
Jag är bara inte redo för den här typen av relation.
Things moved a bit fast and got too intense, too soon? Painful as it is, honesty is often the best way to break up with somebody.
Let’s just be friends.
Låt oss bara vara vänner.
If the relationship was very intense, and you have sent many ‘i love u’ texts in Swedish, this would not be a good breakup line. Feelings need to calm down before you can be friends, if ever. If the relationship has not really developed yet, a friendship would be possible.
I think we need a break.
Jag tror att vi behöver en paus.
This is again honest, and to the point. No need to play with someone’s emotions by not letting them know how you feel. However, this could imply that you may fall in love with him/her again after a period of time, so use with discretion.
You deserve better.
Du förtjänar bättre.
Yes, he/she probably deserves a better relationship if your own feelings have cooled down.
We should start seeing other people.
Vi borde börja träffa andra människor.
This is probably the least gentle break-up phrase, so reserve it for a lover that doesn’t get the message!
I need my space.
Jag behöver mitt utrymme.
When a person is too clingy or demanding, this would be an suitable break-up phrase. It is another good go-to for that lover who doesn’t get the message!
I think we’re moving too fast.
Jag tycker vi går framåt för fort.
Say this if you want to keep the relationship, but need to slow down its progress a bit. It is also good if you feel things are getting too intense for your liking. However, it is not really a break-up line, so be careful not to mislead.
I need to focus on my career.
Jag måste fokusera på min karriär.
If you feel that you will not be able to give 100% in a relationship due to career demands, this is the phrase to use. It’s also good if you are unwilling to give up your career for a relationship.
I’m not good enough for you.
Jag är inte bra nog för dig.
Say this only if you really believe it, or you’ll end up sounding false. Break-ups are usually hard for the receiving party, so don’t insult him/her with an insincere comment.
I just don’t love you anymore.
Jag bara älskar inte dig längre.
This harsh line is sometimes the best one to use if you are struggling to get through to a stubborn, clingy lover who won’t accept your break up. Use it as a last resort. Then switch your phone off and block their emails!
We’re just not right for each other.
Vi är bara inte rätt för varandra.
If this is how you truly feel, you need to say it. Be kind, gentle and polite.
It’s for the best.
Det är för det bästa.
This phrase is called for if circumstances are difficult and the relationship is not progressing well. Love should enhance one’s life, not burden it!
We’ve grown apart.
Vi har vuxit isär.
Cross-cultural relationships are often long-distance ones, and it is easy to grow apart over time.
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
Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)
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!
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!
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:
English – Target – Roman
joke – skämta
funny – rolig
surprise – överraska
sneaky – lömsk
prankster – upptågsmakare
prank – spratt
humor – humor
fool – dumbom
lie – ljuga
deceptive – vilseledande
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!
I learned Swedish in 1 month.
Jag lärde mig svenska på 1 månad.
All classes for today got canceled.
Alla dagens lektioner har blivit inställda.
I’m sorry, but I’ve just broken your favorite pair of glasses.
Jag är ledsen, men jag har just haft sönder dina favoritglasögon.
Someone has just hit your car.
Någon har precis krockat med din bil.
I’m getting married.
Jag ska gifta mig.
You won a free ticket.
Du vann en fribiljett.
I saw your car being towed.
Jag såg din bil bli bogserad.
They’re giving away free gift cards in front of the building.
De ger bort gratis presentkort framför byggnaden.
A handsome guy is waiting for you outside.
En snygg kille väntar på dig utanför.
A beautiful lady asked me to give this phone number to you.
En vacker kvinna bad mig att ge det här telefonnumret till dig.
Can you come downstairs? I have something special for you.
Kan du komma ner? Jag har något speciellt till dig.
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.
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Learn all the Swedish New Year wishes online, in your own time, on any device! Join SwedishPod101 for a special Swedish New Year celebration!
Can you relate to the year passing something like this: “January, February, March – December!”? Many people do! Quantum physics teaches us that time is relative, and few experiences illustrate this principle as perfectly as when we reach the end of a year. To most of us, it feels like the old one has passed in the blink of an eye, while the new year lies ahead like a very long journey! However, New Year is also a time to celebrate beginnings, and to say goodbye to what has passed. This is true in every culture, no matter when New Year is celebrated.
So, how do you say Happy New Year in Swedish? Let a native teach you! At SwedishPod101, you will learn how to correctly greet your friends over New Year, and wish them well with these Swedish New Year wishes!
Swedish people celebrate it together with family and friends, and they round off the celebrations with fireworks to welcome the New Year. New Year’s Eve occurs every year on December 31st.
Now, before we get into more detail, let’s see if you know the answer to this question –
Do you know what the two most common New Year’s resolutions are in Sweden?
If you don’t already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep reading.
New Year’s Eve is celebrated very differently depending on how old you are and your interests. Families with young children usually celebrate New Year’s Eve together, and cook a nice dinner that often includes lobster, or hummer, and tenderloin. New Year’s Eve should feel as luxurious as possible, so the adults usually also drink champagne. After dinner it is not unusual to play a board game, or brädspel, together, eat some potato chips and watch TV. An English TV show called The Countess and the Butler, or Grevinnan och betjänten, has been airing every year on Swedish television since 1976, and it has become a tradition to watch it every New Year’s Eve. Interestingly, despite it being from the UK, it has never been shown on British television, and is completely unknown to UK citizens.
If you are a teenager, or if you don’t have any children of your own, it is likely that you would rather celebrate New Year’s Eve with your friends by having a party, or fest. It is also common for the guests to dress up in formal clothes – preferably with some glitter. You have to make sure that you look fancy to celebrate the New Year!
In both these cases, New Year’s Eve usually ends with large fireworks, or fyrverkerier. In Sweden, it is tradition to either set off your own fireworks or just watch other people’s firework displays. When the clock has struck twelve, people will set off their fireworks, make toasts and cheers with champagne, and make their New Year’s resolutions. Another common custom is to give someone a New Year’s kiss.
Now it’s time to answer our quiz question.
Do you know what the two most common New Year’s resolutions, or nyårslöften, are in Sweden?
The answer is – to start exercising, and to quit smoking. For the New Year it is common for people to want to change their lifestyle for the better, become healthier, and also to get rid of those extra pounds they have put on during the holiday season.
Happy New Year!
Gott Nytt År!
2. Must-Know Swedish Words & Phrases for the New Year!
1- Year
år
This is pretty self-explanatory. Most countries follow a Gregorian calendar, which has approximately 365 days in a year, while in some cultures, other year designations are also honored. Therefore, New Year’s day in Sweden could fall on a different day than in your country. When do you celebrate New Year?
2- Midnight
midnatt
The point in time when a day ends and a new one starts. Many New Year celebrants prefer to stay awake till midnight, and greet the new annum as it breaks with fanfare and fireworks!
3- New Year’s Day
nyårsdagen
In most countries, the new year is celebrated for one whole day. On the Gregorian calendar, this falls on January 1st. On this day, different cultures engage in festive activities, like parties, parades, big meals with families and many more.
4- Party
fest
A party is most people’s favorite way to end the old year, and charge festively into the new one! We celebrate all we accomplished in the old year, and joyfully anticipate what lies ahead.
5- Dancing
dans
Usually, when the clock strikes midnight and the New Year officially begins, people break out in dance! It is a jolly way to express a celebratory mood with good expectations for the year ahead. Also, perhaps, that the old year with its problems has finally passed! Dance parties are also a popular way to spend New Year’s Eve in many places.
6- Champagne
champagne
Originating in France, champagne is a bubbly, alcoholic drink that is often used to toast something or someone during celebrations.
7- Fireworks
fyrverkeri
These are explosives that cause spectacular effects when ignited. They are popular for announcing the start of the new year with loud noises and colorful displays! In some countries, fireworks are set off to scare away evil spirits. In others, the use of fireworks is forbidden in urban areas due to their harmful effect on pets. Most animals’ hearing is much more sensitive than humans’, so this noisy display can be very frightful and traumatising to them.
8- Countdown
nedräkning
This countdown refers to New Year celebrants counting the seconds, usually backward, till midnight, when New Year starts – a great group activity that doesn’t scare animals, and involves a lot of joyful shouting when the clock strikes midnight!
9- New Year’s Holiday
Nyårsledighet
In many countries, New Year’s Day is a public holiday – to recuperate from the party the previous night, perhaps! Families also like to meet on this day to enjoy a meal and spend time together.
10- Confetti
konfetti
In most Western countries, confetti is traditionally associated with weddings, but often it is used as a party decoration. Some prefer to throw it in the air at the strike of midnight on New Year’s Eve.
11- New Year’s Eve
Nyårsafton
This is the evening before New Year breaks at midnight! Often, friends and family meet for a party or meal the evening before, sometimes engaging in year-end rituals. How are you planning to give your New Year greetings in 2018?
12- Toast
skål
A toast is a type of group-salutation that involves raising your glass to drink with others in honor of something or someone. A toast to the new year is definitely in order!
13- Resolution
löfte
Those goals or intentions you hope to, but seldom keep in the new year! Many people consider the start of a new year to be the opportune time for making changes or plans. Resolutions are those intentions to change, or the plans. It’s best to keep your resolutions realistic so as not to disappoint yourself!
14- Parade
parad
New Year celebrations are a huge deal in some countries! Parades are held in the streets, often to celebratory music, with colorful costumes and lots of dancing. Parades are like marches, only less formal and way more fun. At SwedishPod101, you can engage in forums with natives who can tell you what Swedish New Year celebrations are like!
3. Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions
So, you learned the Swedish word for ‘resolution’. Fabulous! Resolutions are those goals and intentions that we hope to manifest in the year that lies ahead. The beginning of a new year serves as a good marker in time to formalise these. Some like to do it in writing, others only hold these resolutions in their hearts. Here are our Top 10 New Year’s resolutions at SwedishPod101 – what are yours?
Learn these phrases and impress your Swedish friends with your vocabulary.
1- Read more
Läsa mer.
Reading is a fantastic skill that everyone can benefit from. You’re a business person? Apparently, successful business men and women read up to 60 books a year. This probably excludes fiction, so better scan your library or Amazon for the top business reads if you plan to follow in the footsteps of the successful! Otherwise, why not make it your resolution to read more Swedish in the new year? You will be surprised by how much this will improve your Swedish language skills!
2- Spend more time with family
Spendera mer tid med familjen.
Former US President George Bush’s wife, Barbara Bush, was quoted as having said this: “At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, a parent.” This is very true! Relationships are often what gives life meaning, so this is a worthy resolution for any year.
3- Lose weight
Gå ner i vikt.
Hands up, how many of you made this new year’s resolution last year too…?! This is a notoriously difficult goal to keep, as it takes a lot of self discipline not to eat unhealthily. Good luck with this one, and avoid unhealthy fad diets!
4- Save money
Spara pengar.
Another common and difficult resolution! However, no one has ever been sorry when they saved towards reaching a goal. Make it your resolution to save money to upgrade your subscription to SwedishPod101’s Premium PLUS option in the new year – it will be money well spent!
5- Quit smoking
Sluta röka.
This is a resolution that you should definitely keep, or your body could punish you severely later! Smoking is a harmful habit with many hazardous effects on your health. Do everything in your power to make this resolution come true in the new year, as your health is your most precious asset.
6- Learn something new
Lära mig något nytt.
Science has proven that learning new skills can help keep brain diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s at bay! It can even slow down the progression of the disease. So, keep your brain healthy by learning to speak a new language, studying towards a qualification, learning how to sew, or how to play chess – no matter how old you are, the possibilities are infinite!
7- Drink less
Dricka mindre.
This is another health resolution that is good to heed any time of the year. Excessive drinking is associated with many diseases, and its effect can be very detrimental to good relationships too. Alcohol is a poison and harmful for the body in large quantities!
8- Exercise regularly
Träna regelbundet.
This resolution goes hand-in-hand with ‘Lose weight’! An inactive body is an unhealthy and often overweight one, so give this resolution priority in the new year.
9- Eat healthy
Äta hälsosamt.
If you stick with this resolution, you will lose weight and feel better in general. It is a very worthy goal to have!
10- Study Swedish with SwedishPod101
Studera svenska med SwedishPod101.com
Of course! You can only benefit from learning Swedish, especially with us! Learning how to speak Swedish can keep your brain healthy, it can widen your circle of friends, and improve your chances to land a dream job anywhere in the world. SwedishPod101 makes it easy and enjoyable for you to stick to this resolution.
4. Inspirational New Year Quotes
Everyone knows that it is sometimes very hard to stick to resolutions, and not only over New Year. The reasons for this vary from person to person, but all of us need inspiration every now and then! A good way to remain motivated is to keep inspirational quotes near as reminders that it’s up to us to reach our goals.
Make decorative notes of these in Swedish, and keep them close! Perhaps you could stick them above your bathroom mirror, or on your study’s wall. This way you not only get to read Swedish incidentally, but also remain inspired to reach your goals! Imagine feeling like giving up on a goal, but reading this quote when you go to the bathroom: “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.” What a positive affirmation!
5. Inspirational Language Learning Quotes
Still undecided whether you should enroll with SwedishPod101 to learn a new language? There’s no time like the present to decide! Let the following Language Learning Quotes inspire you with their wisdom.
As legendary President Nelson Mandela once said: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.” So, learning how to say Happy New Year in Swedish could well be a way into someone special’s heart for you! Let this year be the one where you to learn how to say Happy New Year, and much more, in Swedish – it could open many and unexpected doors for you.
6. How To Say Happy New Year in 31 Languages
Here’s a lovely bonus for you! Why stop with Swedish – learn how to say Happy New Year in 31 other languages too! Watch this video and learn how to pronounce these New Year’s wishes like a native in under two minutes.
7. Why Enrolling with SwedishPod101 Would Be the Perfect New Year’s Gift to Yourself!
If you are unsure how to celebrate the New Year, why not give yourself a huge gift, and enroll to learn Swedish! With more than 12 years of experience behind us, we know that SwedishPod101 would be the perfect fit for you. There are so many reasons for this!
Custom-tailored Learning Paths: Start learning Swedish at the level that you are. We have numerous Learning Pathways, and we tailor them just for you based on your goals and interests! What a boon!
Marked Progress and Fresh Learning Material Every Week: We make new lessons available every week, with an option to track your progress. Topics are culturally appropriate and useful, such as “Learning how to deliver negative answers politely to a business partner.” Our aim is to equip you with Swedish that makes sense!
Multiple Learning Tools: Learn in fun, easy ways with resources such 1,000+ video and audio lessons, flashcards, detailed PDF downloads, and mobile apps suitable for multiple devices!
Fast Track Learning Option: If you’re serious about fast-tracking your learning, Premium Plus would be the perfect way to go! Enjoy perks such as personalised lessons with ongoing guidance from your own, native-speaking teacher, and one-on-one learning on your mobile app! You will not be alone in your learning. Weekly assignments with non-stop feedback, answers and corrections will ensure speedy progress.
Fun and Easy: Keeping the lessons fun and easy-to-learn is our aim, so you will stay motivated by your progress!
Do you know any ways to wish someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in Swedish? SwedishPod101 brings you easy-to-learn translations and the correct pronunciation of Swedish Christmas phrases!
Christmas is the annual commemorative festival of Christ’s birth in the Western Christian Church. It takes place on December 25th and is usually celebrated with much food and fanfare! However, not all cultures celebrate Christmas. In some countries, Christmas is not even a public holiday! However, many countries have adapted Christmas and its religious meaning to tally with their own beliefs, or simply in acknowledgment of the festival’s importance to other cultures. If you want to impress native Swedish speakers with culturally-appropriate Christmas phrases and vocabulary, SwedishPod101 will teach you the most important ways to wish someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in Swedish!
In Sweden, people celebrate Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day. The day all the children – and perhaps adults – yearn for, is December 24th!
Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question?
Do you know the first thing Santa Claus says when he arrives at a Swedish family’s home on Christmas Eve?
If you don’t already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep reading.
In Sweden, it is tradition to celebrate Christmas together with family and relatives. It is also common for the whole family to gather around twelve noon to eat Christmas lunch together. Christmas lunch usually consists of rice pudding, or risgrynsgröt, and sandwiches topped with Christmas ham, or julskinka. It’s not uncommon to eat Christmas lunch before gathering the whole family later in the day. Every family has their own traditions!
After lunch at 3.00 pm, Donald Duck will be shown on Swedish TV. Every Christmas Eve since 1960, the same Donald Duck program has been broadcast on Swedish television, and it has ended up becoming a classic. Each year the program ends up in the top 5 of the most watched television programs of the year. In 2012, 3.9 million people watched it! Please bear in mind that Sweden only has about nine million inhabitants. Pretty awesome, isn’t it?
After Donald Duck is finished, usually dinner starts to be prepared. On a Swedish Christmas table you can usually find pickled herring, potatoes, sausages, meatballs, Jansson’s Temptation, which is a type of Swedish casserole, salmon and other foods. The food is consumed together with either Christmas beer and Julmust, which is a seasonal soft drink. After dinner everyone will start handing out Christmas presents, or julklappar, to each other, and sometimes Santa Claus will arrive.
On Christmas Eve, a family member will usually pretend to go and buy a newspaper, arrive back dressed up as Santa Claus, and start to hand out the gifts.
Now it’s time to answer our quiz question!
Do you know the first thing Santa Claus says when he arrives at a Swedish family’s home on Christmas Eve?
He says Ho ho ho! Finns det några snälla barn här? which means “Ho ho ho! Are there any well-behaved children here?” When Santa Claus asks this, usually children respond that they have been behaving well, and will then receive their gifts! Of course they will receive gifts even if they have been naughty…
2. Holiday Greetings and Wishes for the Holiday Season
1- Merry Christmas!
God jul!
Do you know how to say ‘Merry Christmas’ in Swedish? Learn here how to pronounce it perfectly! ‘Merry’ means to be joyful, to celebrate and generally be in good spirits. So, with this phrase you are wishing someone a joyful, celebratory remembrance of Christ’s birth!
2- Happy Kwanzaa!
Glad Kwanzaa!
Surprise your African-American, or West African native friends with this phrase over the Christmas holidays! Kwanzaa is a seven-day, non-religious celebration, starting on Dec 26th each year. It has its roots in African American modern history, and many people celebrate both Kwanzaa and Christmas!
3- Have a happy New Year!
Ha ett gott nytt år!
In countries where Christmas is not officially celebrated, but a Gregorian calendar is observed, this would be a friendly festive-season wish over New Year.
4- Happy Hanukkah!
Glad Chanukka!
Hanukkah is the beautiful Hebrew festival over November or December each year. It is also called the ‘Festival of Lights’ and is celebrated to commemorate the Jewish freedom of religion.
5- Have a great winter vacation!
Ha en bra vinterledighet!
This is a good phrase to keep handy if someone doesn’t observe any religious festival over the Christmas holidays! However, this will only be applicable in the Northern hemisphere, where it is winter over Christmas.
6- See you next year!
Ses nästa år!
Going away on holiday over Christmas season, or saying goodbye to someone about to leave on vacation? This would be a good way to say goodbye to your friends and family.
7- Warm wishes!
Varma lyckönskningar!
An informal, friendly phrase to write in Swedish Christmas cards, especially for secular friends who prefer to observe Christmas celebrations without the religious symbolism. It conveys the warmth of friendship and friendly wishes associated with this time of year.
8- Happy holidays!
Trevlig helg!
If you forget how to say ‘Merry Christmas!’ in Swedish, this is a safe, generic phrase to use instead.
9- Enjoy the holidays!
Njut av semestern!
After saying ‘Merry Christmas’ in Swedish, this would be a good phrase with which to wish Christmas holiday-goers well! It is also good to use for secular friends who don’t celebrate Christmas but take a holiday at this time of the year.
10- Best wishes for the New Year!
Lyckönskningar inför det nya året!
This is another way of wishing someone well in the New Year if they observe a Gregorian calendar. New Year’s day would then fall on January 1st.
3. Must-Know Christmas Day Vocabulary
Christmas is associated with many traditions and religious symbols in multiple countries across the world. It originated centuries ago in the West with the birth of Christianity, and the celebrations are often embedded with rich cultural significance. So, by now you know how to say Merry Christmas in Swedish! Next, learn pertinent vocabulary and phrases pertaining to Christmas, as well as how to pronounce them correctly. At SwedishPod101, we make sure you sound like a native speaker!
1- Christmas
Jul
This is the Swedish word for ‘Christmas’. Most happy Christmas wishes in Swedish will include this word!
2- Snow
snö
In most Northern-hemisphere countries, Christmas is synonymous with snow, and for Christmas, the snowman is often dressed as Santa Claus.
3- Snowflake
snöflinga
Snowflakes collectively make up snow. A single snowflake is small, white, light like a feather and icy cold! When put under a microscope, the snowflake reveals itself to have the most beautiful, symmetrical patterns. These patterns have become popular Christmas decorations, especially in Western countries.
4- Snowman
snögubbe
As you guessed – a snowman is only possible to build if it is snowing! What a fun way to spend Christmas day outside.
5- Turkey
kalkon
Roast turkey is the traditional main dish on thousands of lunch tables on Christmas day, mainly in Western countries. What is your favorite Christmas dish?
6- Wreath
krans
Another traditional Western decoration for Christmas, the wreath is an arrangement of flowers, leaves, or stems fastened in a ring. Many families like to hang a Christmas wreath outside on their houses’ front doors.
7- Reindeer
ren
Reindeer are the animals commonly fabled to pull Santa Claus’ sled across the sky! Western Christmas folklore tells of Father Christmas or Santa Claus doing the rounds with his sled, carrying Christmas presents for children, and dropping them into houses through the chimney. But who is Santa Claus?
8- Santa Claus
Jultomten
Santa Claus is a legendary and jolly figure originating in the Western Christian culture. He is known by many names, but is traditionally depicted as a rotund man wearing a red costume with a pointy hat, and sporting a long, snow-white beard!
9- Elf
tomtenisse
An elf is a supernatural creature of folklore with pointy ears, a dainty, humanoid body and a capricious nature. Elves are said to help Santa Claus distribute presents to children over Christmas!
10- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Rudolf med den röda mulen
‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ is a Christmas song based on an American children’s story book with the same name. Rudolph is one of Santa’s reindeer. The song became more famous than the book, and can still be heard playing in many shopping malls over Christmas time across the globe!
11- North Pole
Nordpolen
The cold North Pole is where Santa Claus is reputed to live with his reindeer!
12- Sled
släde
A sled is a non-motorised land vehicle used to travel over snow in countries where it snows a lot, and is usually pulled by animals such as horses, dogs or reindeer. This one obviously refers to Santa’s sled! Another word for sled is sleigh or sledge.
13- Present
present
Gift or present giving is synonymous with Christmas Eve and the greatest source of joy for children over this festive time! This tradition signifies that Christ’s birth was a gift to mankind, but not all people who hand out presents over Christmas observe the religious meaning.
14- Bell
klocka
On Christmas Day, or Christmas Eve, many religious celebrants enjoy going to church for a special sermon and Christmas rituals. The start of the sermon is often announced with bells or a bell, if the church has one. For this reason, the sound of ringing bells is often associated with Christmas Day.
15- Chimney
skorsten
The chimney is the entrance Santa Claus uses to deliver children’s presents on Christmas Day, according to folklore! Wonder how the chubby man and his elves stay clean…?!
16- Fireplace
öppen spis
In most countries where it snows, Christmas is synonymous with a fire or burning embers in houses’ fireplaces. Families huddle around its warmth while opening Christmas presents. Also, this is where Santa Claus is reputed to pop out after his journey down the chimney!
17- Christmas Day
Juldagen
This is the official day of commemorative celebration of Christ’s birth, and falls each year on December 25.
18- Decoration
dekoration
Decorations are the colourful trinkets and posters that make their appearance in shops and homes during the Christmas holiday season in many countries! They give the places a celebratory atmosphere in anticipation of the big Christmas celebration. Typical Christmas decorations include colorful photographs and posters, strings of lights, figurines of Santa Claus and the nativity scene, poinsettia flowers, snowflakes and many more.
19- Stocking
strumpa
According to legend, Santa Claus places children’s presents in a red stocking hanging over the fireplace. This has also become a popular decoration, signifying Christmas.
20- Holly
järnek
Holly is a shrub native to the UK, and parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. It is characterised by glossy, spiny-toothed leaves, small, whitish flowers, and red berries. Ironically, its significance for Christmas relates to Christ’s crucifixion and suffering rather than his birth. However, the leaves’ distinctive shape and image have become popular Christmas decorations.
21- Gingerbread house
pepparkakshus
According to legend, the gingerbread house synonymous with Christmas is related to Christ’s birth place, Bethlehem. Bethlehem literally means ‘House of Bread’. Over centuries, it has become a popular treat over Christmas time in many non-religious households as well.
22- Candy cane
polkagriskäpp
According to folklore, Christmas candy canes made their appearance first in Germany in the 16th century. A choir master gave children the candy canes to suck on in church in order to keep them quiet during the Christmas sermon! Apparently, the candy is shaped like a cane in remembrance of the shepherds who were the first to visit the baby Jesus. Today, like gingerbread houses, they are still a popular sweet over the festive season!
23- Mistletoe
mistel
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on certain trees. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the mistletoe has magical powers, and could protect a household from evil if hung above a door during December. The belief didn’t last but the habit did, and the mistletoe is another popular Christmas decoration!
4. Twelve Days of Christmas
Wow, you’re doing extremely well! You know how to wish someone a Merry Christmas in Swedish, and you learned pertinent vocabulary too! The Twelve Days of Christmas is not very well known in modern times, so, you’re on your way to becoming an expert in Christmas traditions and rituals. Well done!
The Twelve Days of Christmas, also known as Twelvetide, is a traditional festive period of 12 days dedicated to celebrate the nativity of Christ. Christmas Day is, for many who observe Twelvetide, the first day of this period.
‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ is also a popular Christmas song about a series of gifts given on each day of Twelvetide. According to experts, these gifts were created as a coded reference to important symbols in the Christian church. Here is a list of those gifts mentioned in the song! Do you recognise them?
5. Top 10 Christmas Characters in American Culture
This is fantastic, you know how to explain almost everything about Christmas in Swedish! However, do you know the most popular Christmas characters in American culture? Your knowledge will not be complete without this list.
6. SwedishPod101 Is One Of The Best Online Language Schools Available!
We don’t just say this – we can prove it! Geared to your personal needs and goals, we have several learning paths from which to choose. From Swedish for Absolute Beginners to Advanced Swedish, lessons are designed to meet you where you are, and increase your language abilities in fun, easy and interactive lessons! Mastering a new language has never been this easy or enjoyable.
We have over a decade of experience and research behind us, and it shows! With thousands of audio and video lessons, detailed PDF lessons and notes, as well as friendly, knowledgeable hosts, SwedishPod101 is simply unbeatable when it comes to learning correct Swedish. Plenty of tools and resources are available when you study with us. New lessons are added every week so material remains fresh and relevant. You also have the option to upgrade and enjoy even more personalised guidance and services. This is a sure way to fast-track your learning!
So, this Christmas, why don’t you give yourself a present and enroll in SwedishPod101? Or give an enrollment as a present to a loved one. It will be a gift with benefits for a whole lifetime, not just over Christmas!
Learn 4 tools and techniques to stop translating in your head and start thinking in Swedish
Going through Swedish lessons is enough to get by and learn the basics of Swedish, but to truly become fluent you need to be able to think in Swedish. This will allow you to have conversations with ease, read smoothly, and comprehensively understand natives. To do this, you need to go beyond just completing daily or weekly lessons.
We naturally translate in our heads because it’s viewed as the easiest way to learn the definitions needed when learning a language. This way of learning can actually hinder your skills and fluency later on. If your brain has to make neural connections between the word you’re learning, what it means in your native tongue, and the physical object the connection will not be nearly as strong. When you bypass the original translation between Swedish and your native language then there is a more basic and strong connection between just the Swedish vocabulary word and the tangible object.
In this blog post, you will learn the 4 important techniques to easily and naturally begin to speculate about the daily occurrences in your life. The best part is all of these techniques are supported and can be achieved through SwedishPod101.com.
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1. Surround yourself with Swedish
By surrounding yourself with Swedish constantly you will completely immerse yourself in the language. Without realizing it you’ll be learning pronunciation, sentence structures, grammar, and new vocabulary. You can play music in the background while you’re cooking or have a Swedish radio station on while you study. Immersion is a key factor with this learning process because it is one of the easiest things to do, but very effective. Even if you are not giving the program your full attention you will be learning.
One great feature of SwedishPod101.com is the endless podcasts that are available to you. You can even download and listen to them on the go. These podcasts are interesting and are perfect for the intention of immersion, they are easy to listen to as background noise and are interesting enough to give your full attention. Many of them contain stories that you follow as you go through the lessons which push you to keep going.
2. Learn through observation
Learning through observation is the most natural way to learn. Observation is how we all learned our native languages as infants and it’s a wonder why we stop learning this way. If you have patience and learn through observation then Swedish words will have their own meanings rather than meanings in reference to your native language. Ideally, you should skip the bilingual dictionary and just buy a dictionary in Swedish.
SwedishPod101.com also offers the materials to learn this way. We have numerous video lessons which present situational usage of each word or phrase instead of just a direct translation. This holds true for many of our videos and how we teach Swedish.
3. Speak out loud to yourself
Speaking to yourself in Swedish not only gets you in the mindset of Swedish, but also makes you listen to how you speak. It forces you to correct any errors with pronunciation and makes it easy to spot grammar mistakes. When you speak out loud talk about what you did that day and what you plan to do the next day. Your goal is to be the most comfortable speaking out loud and to easily create sentences. Once you feel comfortable talking to yourself start consciously thinking in your head about your daily activities and what is going on around you throughout the day.
With SwedishPod101.com you start speaking right away, not only this, but they have you repeat words and conversations after a native Swedish speaker. This makes your pronunciation very accurate! With this help, you are on the fast path to making clear and complex sentences and then actively thinking about your day.
4. Practice daily
If you don’t practice daily then your progress will be greatly slowed. Many people are tempted to take the 20-30 minutes they should be practicing a day and practice 120 in one day and skip the other days. This isn’t nearly as effective because everyday you practice you are reinforcing the skills and knowledge you have learned. If you practice all in one day you don’t retain the information because the brain can realistically only focus for 30 minutes at most. If you’re studying for 120 minutes on the same subject little of the information will be absorbed. Studying everyday allows you to review material that you went over previous days and absorb a small amount of information at a time.
It’s tough to find motivation to study everyday, but SwedishPod101.com can help. It’s easy to stay motivated with SwedishPod101.com because we give you a set learning path, with this path we show how much progress you’ve made. This makes you stick to your goals and keep going!
Conclusion
Following the steps and having patience is the hardest part to achieving your goals, it’s not easy learning a new language. You are essentially teaching your brain to categorize the world in a completely new way. Stick with it and you can do it just remember the 4 tools I taught you today! With them, conversations, reading, and understanding will become much easier. The most important thing to remember is to use the tools that SwedishPod101.com provides and you will be on your way to being fluent!
