Are you ready to profess your love for that cute Swede you’ve been going out with? Swedish might not be known as a particularly romantic language, but the heart wants what the heart wants. If your heart is set on a Swede, you’ve got to learn how to say “I love you” in Swedish.
A word of warning, though. Those three precious words are known to be easily thrown around and a bit overused in English. If you know a little about Swedish culture, you might have realized that expressing feelings is handled with a cultural emphasis on… well, restraint. “I love you” in Swedish is often a phrase expressed sparingly—but sincerely.
Not quite sure if your relationship is ready for the three little words? Don’t worry, in this guide, we’ll also go through other romantic phrases and terms of endearment that will no doubt be helpful on your journey to declaring your love.
Phrases to Express “I Love You” in Swedish
Since we’re talking about love, you should know that there are three main words for “love” in Swedish:
| Love (the noun) | Kärlek |
| Love (the verb) | Älska |
| In love (the adjective) | Kär |
You’ll mostly use the verb and sometimes the adjective when expressing your love in words. Let’s check out three common ways to say “I love you” in Swedish.
Direct Approach: I Love You
The first and most literal way to say “I love you” in Swedish is “Jag älskar dig”.
| I love you | Jag älskar dig |
As mentioned, these words aren’t thrown around quite as much as in certain other languages. Of course, each family and relationship is different. In general, however, this sentence is reserved for slightly more special moments. It is said in sincerity and in private.
“Jag älskar dig” is often used in a romantic sense, but it doesn’t have to be. The phrase is also said to family members, for example between parents and children. It can also be used between siblings, close friends (or even to your pet).
When said to more than one person, “I love you” in Swedish is “Jag älskar er”.
| I love you (plural) | Jag älskar er |
To emphasize the depth of your love, you can choose to add words to the end of the sentence:
| I love you very much | Jag älskar dig jättemycket |
| I love you with all my heart | Jag älskar dig av hela mitt hjärta |
If you’re willing to put it all on the line, you can follow up your “Jag älskar dig” with the question “Älskar du mig?” (Do you love me?)
Professing Love: I’m in Love With You
If you’re telling your crush that you’re in love with them for the first time, you might not feel completely ready for “I love you” yet. Here are three sentences that express something in between “I’m in love with you” and “I have a crush on you”:
| I’m in love with you / I have a crush on you | Jag är kär i dig |
| Jag är förälskad i dig | |
| Jag är förtjust i dig |
The last two sentences might sound a little formal or old-fashioned to some, but I’m pretty sure it’ll still melt the heart of your crush.
It’s a Bit Early for Love: I Like You
As mentioned, saying the words “älskar” or “kär” is a bit of a big deal in Sweden. They’re not usually words you use after only a few dates. If you’re looking for a stepping stone to those expressions, you can start with these ways of saying “I like you”.
| I like you | Jag tycker om dig |
| Jag gillar dig |
Saying “I like you” is a common way to express that you have romantic feelings for someone in Sweden. It’s a perfect expression for when you’re a few dates into a relationship.
“Gillar” and “tycker om” are synonyms for the verb “like”. In general, Swedes say that the two are identical in meaning. When it comes specifically to sharing romantic feelings, though, I’d say that “tycker om” sounds a tad more romantic, while “gillar” has more of a platonic touch to it. “Jag gillar dig” could also just be a statement expressing that you enjoy somebody’s personality.
Other Swedish Words and Phrases Related to Love
Expressions of love are used somewhat more sparingly in Swedish. But if your love language is “words of affirmation”, that shouldn’t stop you! Let’s take a look at some terms of endearment and some other romantic words and phrases you might find helpful.
Swedish Terms of Endearment
Looking for a pet name for your Swedish partner? Look no further. Here is a list of suggestions when it comes to terms of endearment.
| Darling | Älskling |
| My beloved | Min älskade |
| My dear | Min kära |
| Sweetie | Sötnos |
| Cutie | Gullet |
| Hottie | Snygging |
Keep in mind that some of these expressions are generally reserved for more long-term romantic relationships. “Sötnos”, “gullet”, and “snygging” are a bit more casual, but “älskling” is usually only used if you have been dating for a while. “Älskade” and “kära” are quite intimate and better for when the two of you are in private, and you really want to romance your partner.
Naturally, you can also get creative and try to come up with your own Swedish pet names for your partner. Perhaps you can call them by your favorite Swedish dessert? This might take some trial and error, so give it a shot and see how your dear “prinsesstårta” or “kanelbulle” reacts.
Romantic Swedish Verbs
When you’re talking with your Swedish partner, you might find the following common romantic verbs useful.
| To love | Att älska |
| To hug | Att krama |
| To kiss (more of a peck) | Att pussa |
| To kiss (a proper romantic kiss) | Att kyssa |
| To date | Att dejta |
| To propose | Att fria |
| To get married | Att gifta sig |
Some example sentences using these verbs:
- Kan du krama mig? Can you hug me?
- Jag vill kyssa dig: I want to kiss you.
- Vi har dejtat i 6 månader: We have dated for 6 months.
- Han ska fria i kväll: He’s going to propose tonight.
- De gifter sig i maj: They’re getting married in May.
Romantic Swedish Sentences
Of course, there are other ways to express affection than saying “I love you” in Swedish. Here are some other romantic sentences you’ll no doubt want to put into use soon.
| I care about you | Jag bryr mig om dig |
| I need you | Jag behöver dig |
| I have feelings for you | Jag har känslor för dig |
| I’m so happy that I have you | Jag är så glad att jag har dig |
| I can’t live without you | Jag kan inte leva utan dig |
| I see you as more than a friend | Jag ser dig som mer än en vän |
| I’m crazy about you | Jag är galen i dig |
| You mean a lot to me | Du betyder mycket för mig |
| You are my world | Du är min värld |
| You are my everything | Du är mitt allt |
| You are my love | Du är min kärlek |
| I want to be your boyfriend | Jag vill vara din pojkvän |
| I want to be your girlfriend | Jag vill vara din flickvän |
| Do you want to go out with me? | Vill du gå ut med mig? |
| Will you marry me? | Vill du gifta dig med mig? |
| It was love at first sight | Det var kärlek vid första ögonkastet |
| Love can move mountains | Kärlek kan förflytta berg |
What Swede wouldn’t be wooed by such romance? Pick a few favorites, make sure you really mean them, and shower your partner with love at the next opportunity.
Conclusion: Saying “I Love You” in Swedish
When learning Swedish, there are many helpful phrases that you can focus on. Most will start with greetings, perhaps hoping that cute Swede they like will say “You had me at hello”. Expressions of gratitude are also important to show appreciation. But if you’re studying the language because your partner is from Sweden, learning expressions of love is key.
Swedes might not use expressions of love as frequently as other cultures, but it is not due to a lack of emotion. And as you learned today, there are still many ways you can express that you care in Swedish.
A short summary of the three main ways to say “I love you” in Swedish:
| I love you | Jag älskar dig English pronunciation: Yah-g el-scar dig |
| I’m in love with you | Jag är kär i dig English pronunciation: Yah-g air share eeh day |
| I like you | Jag tycker om dig
English pronunciation: |
With these three sentences in your pocket, you’re ready to make any Swede’s heart flutter. For more inspiration, check out the following two YouTube videos:
- Fun Swedish: How to say “I love you” in Swedish – Swedish love words – Learn Swedish in a fun way
- Say It In Swedish: How to say “I LOVE YOU” in SWEDISH
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