{"id":2967,"date":"2019-03-03T15:19:01","date_gmt":"2019-03-03T15:19:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clozemaster.com\/blog\/?p=2967"},"modified":"2021-01-27T18:20:39","modified_gmt":"2021-01-27T18:20:39","slug":"80-helpful-swedish-phrases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clozemaster.com\/blog\/80-helpful-swedish-phrases\/","title":{"rendered":"80 Common Swedish Phrases and How to Use Them"},"content":{"rendered":"

From greetings to transportation to shopping, there are many common Swedish phrases and expressions that are used in the course of an average day. Learning them can help you blend in with the natives in everyday situations.<\/p>\n

Read and practice these common Swedish phrases, and then follow Sven-Olof through his day to see if you have learned how to use them.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/a>Swedish greetings<\/h2>\n

<\/a>Hello: Hej! Hejsan! Hall\u00e5! Tjena!<\/h3>\n

The formal Swedish \u201cHello\u201d is simply Hej!<\/em>, which can sometimes be confusing because it sounds just like the informal English \u201cHey!\u201d Saying it twice: Hej, hej!<\/em> makes it more informal, though this greeting is often used as a form of \u201cGoodbye\u201d as well.<\/p>\n

Hejsan, hall\u00e5, tjena\/tjenare<\/em> are also informal ways to say \u201chello\u201d.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Good\u2026: God morgon, God dag, God kv\u00e4ll, God natt<\/h3>\n

God<\/em> means good, so these are the \u201cgood greetings\u201d: Good morning, Good day, Good evening, Good night. These can be both formal or informal depending on the tone.<\/p>\n

The d <\/em>at the end of god<\/em> is rarely pronounced, so these words become like contractions when spoken: Go\u2019morron, Go\u2019dag, Go\u2019kv\u00e4ll, Go\u2019natt. <\/em>Notice that the g<\/em> in morgon<\/em> is also not pronounced.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Goodbye: Hej d\u00e5! Vi ses! Vi h\u00f6rs!<\/h3>\n

The formal Swedish for goodbye is Hej d\u00e5.<\/em> It rhymes with play-dough.\u00a0You can also say \u201cSee you later!\u201d or \u201cTalk to you later!\u201d:\u00a0<\/span>Vi ses! Vi h\u00f6rs!<\/em><\/p>\n

Before saying goodbye, a Swede would wish you well. Ha det bra!<\/em> literally means \u201chave it good\u201d but would be used similarly to \u201cHave a nice day!\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/a>Introductions: Jag heter\u2026 Vad heter du? Trevligt att tr\u00e4ffas!<\/h3>\n

Hej! Jag heter Christine. Vad heter du? <\/em>\u201cHello! My name is Christine. What is your name?\u201d Introducing yourself in Swedish is very similar to an English introduction. You would most often extend your hand for a handshake.<\/p>\n

The polite response is Trevligt att tr\u00e4ffas \u2013<\/em>\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s nice to meet you.\u201d This can also be shortened to the single word Trevligt<\/em>, which is equally polite.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/a>How are you: Hur m\u00e5r du? Hur \u00e4r det? L\u00e4get?<\/h3>\n

The phrase books will all list the phrase Hur m\u00e5r du?<\/em> as the way to ask \u201cHow are you?\u201d This is correct in formal situations. However, in common language practice, this Swedish phrase (which literally means \u201cHow do you feel?\u201d) is rarely used unless asking someone who was known to have been sick or feeling poorly. It carries the connotations of \u201cAre you feeling better?\u201d<\/p>\n

It is much more common to hear the Swedish phrases\u00a0Hur \u00e4r det? <\/em>(\u201cHow is it?\u201d) or Hur \u00e4r det med dig?<\/em> (\u201cHow is it with you?\u201d). In very informal situations, another common question is L\u00e4get?<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 an abbreviation of the phrase Hur \u00e4r l\u00e4get?,\u00a0<\/em>which means something like \u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/a>Manners: Tack! Urs\u00e4kta! Vars\u00e5god!<\/h3>\n

Swedish manners are a little different than English speakers are used to. While there are polite ways of asking or requesting (such as Var god, sn\u00e4lla, <\/em>or om du \u00e4r sn\u00e4ll<\/em>), there is no direct translation for the word \u201cplease\u201d. The word for \u201cthank you\u201d \u2013\u00a0tack<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 can sometimes double as a way to say please.<\/p>\n

In response to being thanked, most people will answer\u00a0Vars\u00e5god<\/em> or Det var s\u00e5 lite \u2013 \u201c<\/em>It was nothing\u201d. It is also polite to say \u201cExcuse me\u201d (Urs\u00e4kta) <\/em>in the same ways it is used in English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

English phrase<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Swedish phrase<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Hello!<\/td>\nHej! Hejsan! Hall\u00e5! Tjena(re)!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Good morning!<\/td>\nGod morgon!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Good day!<\/td>\nGoddag!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Good evening!<\/td>\nGod kv\u00e4ll!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Good night!<\/td>\nGod natt!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Goodbye!<\/td>\nHej d\u00e5! (Hej hej!)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
See you later!<\/td>\nVi ses!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Talk to you later!<\/td>\nVi h\u00f6rs!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Have a nice day!<\/td>\nHa det bra!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
The same to you!<\/td>\nDetsamma!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is your name?<\/td>\nVad heter du?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
My name is…<\/td>\nJag heter…<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nice to meet you!<\/td>\nTrevligt att tr\u00e4ffas! (Trevligt!)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How are you?<\/p>\n

And you?<\/td>\n

Hur m\u00e5r du? Hur \u00e4r det (med dig)? L\u00e4get?<\/p>\n

Och med dig?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Thank you (very much)!<\/td>\nTack (s\u00e5 mycket)!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Excuse me!<\/td>\nUrs\u00e4kta!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
You\u2019re welcome!<\/td>\nVars\u00e5god!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
It was nothing.<\/td>\nDet var s\u00e5 lite.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/a>Common Swedish phrases for shopping<\/h2>\n

<\/a>General shopping<\/h3>\n

When you enter a shop, you may be greeted and welcomed. They may also ask Vill du ha hj\u00e4lp?<\/em> or Beh\u00f6ver du hj\u00e4lp med n\u00e5gonting?<\/em> to ask if you would like help. If you would like help, say\u00a0Ja, tack<\/em> or \u201cYes, please.\u201d If not, you can answer Nej, tack. Jag tittar bara. <\/em>(\u201cNo thanks, I\u2019m just looking.\u201d) You can tell the clerk what you are looking for using the phrase: Jag vill k\u00f6pa\u2026<\/em> (I want to buy\u2026)<\/p>\n

Prices are usually well-marked and already include sales tax. If you have questions about the price of something, you can ask Hur mycket kostar det h\u00e4r? <\/em>Items marked REA!<\/em> or Extrapris!<\/em> are on sale for a reduced price\u00a0(s\u00e4nkt pris)<\/em>.<\/p>\n

When it\u2019s time to pay, you go to the cashier \u2013\u00a0kassan<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 to check out. Paying with cash (kontanter) <\/em> is increasingly uncommon as Sweden aims to become a cash-free society. If possible, be prepared to pay with a card (kort<\/em>).<\/p>\n

The cashier will probably ask\u00a0\u00c4r det bra s\u00e5?<\/em>, which means, \u201cIs this everything?\u201d A simple Ja<\/em> is a sufficient answer, unless you want to purchase something kept behind the counter, in which case you would say, Nej<\/em> and ask for the item. Most stores do not provide free shopping bags (kasse<\/em>), so bring your own bag or prepare to pay extra for one.<\/p>\n

Your cashier may also ask you if you would like a receipt: Vill du ha kvittot?<\/em> Another common question is if you would like your purchase gift-wrapped: Ska det sl\u00e5s in som paket?<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/a>In the grocery store \u2013 I mataff\u00e4ren<\/h3>\n

A few special circumstances arise in the grocery store. To get a shopping cart (kundvagn<\/em>) you may need a 10kr or 5kr coin to insert as a deposit (pant<\/em>). This system, once universal in Sweden, is beginning to disappear as coins become increasingly uncommon, but there are many places where it still applies, so it is smart to be prepared.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Speaking of deposits (pant<\/em>), expect a deposit to be added to beverages that come in aluminum cans or plastic\/glass bottles. This money is returned when the empty container is returned for recycling, and most grocery stores offer a return area (returstation<\/em>).<\/p>\n

Alcoholic beverages may not be sold in grocery stores in Sweden, so to find these items, ask for directions to the closest Systembolaget, <\/em>the state-run liquor store.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Shopping for clothes<\/h3>\n

When shopping for clothes, it might be helpful to ask if you can try something on: F\u00e5r jag prova den h\u00e4r?<\/em> If the fitting rooms (provrum<\/em>) are clearly marked, it is not necessary to ask permission.<\/p>\n

If you are concerned about needing to return something, ask the cashier about their return policy: \u00c4r det \u00f6ppet k\u00f6p p\u00e5 det h\u00e4r? <\/em>It is common to be able to return an item within 30 days (dagar<\/em>).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

<\/a>English phrase<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Swedish phrase<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Would you like help? Do you need help?<\/td>\nVill du ha hj\u00e4lp? Beh\u00f6ver du hj\u00e4lp?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Yes, please. No, thank you.<\/td>\nJa, tack. Nej, tack.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
I\u2019m just looking.<\/td>\nJag tittar bara.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
I want to buy…<\/td>\nJag vill k\u00f6pa…<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How much does this cost?<\/td>\nHur mycket kostar det h\u00e4r?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sale, Reduced price<\/td>\nRea, Extra pris, S\u00e4nkt pris<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cash \/ Card<\/td>\nKontanter \/ Kort<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Is that everything?<\/td>\n\u00c4r det bra s\u00e5?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Would you like a receipt?<\/td>\nVill du ha kvittot?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Would you like this gift wrapped?<\/td>\nSka det sl\u00e5s in som paket?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shopping cart<\/td>\nKundvagn<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Deposit<\/td>\nPant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
May I try this on?<\/td>\nF\u00e5r jag prova det h\u00e4r?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fitting rooms<\/td>\nProvrum<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Can this item be returned?<\/td>\n\u00c4r det \u00f6ppet k\u00f6p p\u00e5 det h\u00e4r?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/a>Common Swedish phrases for transportation<\/h2>\n

Most places in Sweden have excellent public transportation (kollektivtrafik<\/em>),which is widely used. It is generally easy to navigate the public transit system, and even though most transportation information is also posted in English, a few key Swedish phrases could be helpful in your journey.<\/p>\n

<\/a>On the ground<\/h3>\n

A station is a station<\/em>, which is spelled the same as in English but pronounced differently. It is usually a compound word with the type of station it is. A busstation<\/em> is where you find a bus, and a t\u00e5gstation<\/em> is where you find a train (t\u00e5g<\/em>). You may also see signs for Centralstationen<\/em> (central station). English speakers often react when they encounter the word slutstation<\/em>,\u00a0which is nothing more than the last stop on the line.<\/p>\n

A bus stop is called a h\u00e5llplats<\/em> and they are typically named for the streets they are on or the crossroads they are near. Very few buses or trains allow passengers to pay cash on board. Be sure to purchase your ticket (biljett<\/em>) ahead of time. Transit cards are available in stations and some convenience stores. Tickets can often be purchased on a mobile phone via text message (SMS<\/em>).<\/p>\n

Bus and train schedules (tidtabeller<\/em>) are usually reliable, but if you are unsure you can always ask\u00a0N\u00e4r g\u00e5r bussen\/t\u00e5get? <\/em>(\u201cWhen does the bus\/train leave?\u201d). For help to get to a specific destination, ask\u00a0Hur tar jag mig till\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

In addition to buses and trains, Sweden\u2019s largest cities also offer subway (tunnelbana), <\/em>trolley (sp\u00e5rvagn)<\/em>, and boat (b\u00e5t)<\/em> connections as a part of the public transit system. When riding the train, you will need to know which track (sp\u00e5r<\/em>) your train departs from.<\/p>\n

You can also choose to get a taxi, which is the same word in Swedish as in English. If you have a driver\u2019s license (k\u00f6rkort<\/em>) you can get a rental car (hyrbil<\/em>), but to get around in cities, renting a bike (cykel<\/em>) is an even better option.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/a>Travel by air<\/h3>\n

English speakers can rely on using English in Swedish airports, but if you are learning the language, the airport can be a great place to test your skills.<\/p>\n

After checking in and dropping off your luggage (bagage<\/em>), take your carry-on item (handbagage<\/em>) and find your flight (flyg<\/em>) on the board. Find a board with departures (avg\u00e5ngar<\/em>), not arrivals (ankomster<\/em>), to find out which terminal (terminal<\/em>) and gate (utg\u00e5ng<\/em>) to go to. Be sure to leave enough time to go through the security check (s\u00e4kerhetskontroll<\/em>). Continue to monitor the boards to know when your flight is boarding (ombordstigning<\/em>) or if it has been delayed (f\u00f6rsenat<\/em>) or canceled (inst\u00e4llt<\/em>).<\/p>\n

<\/a>Directions<\/h3>\n

If you need help finding your way, understanding a few directional phrases will help you get where you need to go. Use the phrases Var ligger\u2026<\/em> or Var finns… <\/em>to ask where something is. You may need to go straight ahead (rakt fram<\/em>) or turn left or right (sv\u00e4ng v\u00e4nster, sv\u00e4ng h\u00f6ger<\/em>). Your directions may include a landmark to go past (g\u00e5<\/em> f\u00f6rbi<\/em>) or an intersection (korsning<\/em>) to watch for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

English phrase<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Swedish phrase<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Public transportation<\/td>\nKollektivtrafik<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Station<\/td>\nStation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
The Central Station<\/td>\nCentralstationen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
End of the line<\/td>\nSlutstation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bus<\/td>\nBuss<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Train<\/td>\nT\u00e5g<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bus stop<\/td>\nBussh\u00e5llplats<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ticket<\/td>\nBiljett<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Schedule (for a bus or train)<\/td>\nTidtabell<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Subway<\/td>\nTunnelbana<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trolley<\/td>\nSp\u00e5rvagn<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Boat<\/td>\nB\u00e5t<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Track<\/td>\nSp\u00e5r<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bike<\/td>\nCykel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rental car<\/td>\nHyrbil<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Driver\u2019s license<\/td>\nK\u00f6rkort<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Luggage<\/td>\nBagage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Carry-on bag<\/td>\nHandbagage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Flight<\/td>\nFlyg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Terminal<\/td>\nTerminal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gate<\/td>\nUtg\u00e5ng<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Security checkpoint<\/td>\nS\u00e4kerhetskontroll<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Boarding<\/td>\nOmbordstigning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Delayed<\/td>\nF\u00f6rsenad, F\u00f6rsenat<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Canceled<\/td>\nInst\u00e4lld, Inst\u00e4llt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
When does the bus\/train leave?<\/td>\nN\u00e4r g\u00e5r bussen\/t\u00e5get?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How do I get to\u2026?<\/td>\nHur tar jag mig till\u2026?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Where is\u2026?<\/td>\nVar ligger\u2026? Var finns\u2026?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Straight ahead<\/td>\nRakt fram<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Turn left\/right<\/td>\nSv\u00e4ng v\u00e4nster\/h\u00f6ger<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Go past<\/td>\nG\u00e5 f\u00f6rbi<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Intersection<\/td>\nKorsning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/a>Sven-Olof\u2019s Day<\/h2>\n

<\/a>In the morning<\/h3>\n

Sven-Olof gets up and joins his wife Marie at the kitchen table before leaving for work.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sven-Olof: God morgon!
\nMarie: God morgon!
\nSven-Olof: Hur \u00e4r det med dig?
\nMarie: Bra. N\u00e4r g\u00e5r bussen?
\nSven-Olof: 8:00
\nMarie: Ok, vi ses. Ha det bra!
\nSven-Olof: Tack, detsamma. Hej d\u00e5!<\/p>\n

At the bus stop he sees his friend Lars.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sven-Olof: Hejsan Lars!
\nLars: Tjenare! L\u00e4get?
\nSven-Olof: L\u00e4get \u00e4r bra. Och med dig?
\nLars: Bra, tack!
\nSven-Olof: \u00c4r bussen f\u00f6rsenad?
\nLars: Ja.<\/p>\n

The bus eventually comes and Sven-Olof rides to work. He works in a small store downtown.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/a>At work (in the store)<\/h3>\n

The store is busy today. Sven-Olof is helping a customer (kund) to buy a t-shirt.<\/em><\/p>\n

S-O: Beh\u00f6ver du hj\u00e4lp?
\nKund: Ja, tack. Jag vill k\u00f6pa en t-shirt. Hur mycket kostar den h\u00e4r?
\nS-O: 100 kr.
\nKund: F\u00e5r jag prova den?
\nS-O: Ja. He points to a sign that says Provrum
\n<\/em>Kund: Tack. A few minutes later\u2026<\/em> Jag vill k\u00f6pa den.
\nS-O: \u00c4r det bra s\u00e5?
\nKund: Ja, tack.
\nS-O: Kort eller kontanter?
\nKund: Kort.
\nS-O: Tack! Vill du ha kvittot?
\nKund: Nej, tack.
\nS-O: Ska det sl\u00e5s in som paket?
\nKund: Ja, tack.
\nS-O: Ok. (He wraps it and hands the bag to the customer.<\/em>)
\nKund: Tack s\u00e5 mycket!
\nS-O: Vars\u00e5god!
\nKund: Hej d\u00e5!
\nS-O: Hej d\u00e5!<\/p>\n

<\/a>After work<\/h3>\n

Sven-Olof walks to the grocery store after work to buy a few ingredients for dinner, then takes the bus home. At the bus stop he is approached by a tourist who sees his grocery bags.<\/em><\/p>\n

Tourist: Urs\u00e4kta\u2026
\nS-O: Ja?
\nTourist: Var ligger mataff\u00e4ren?
\nS-O: (pointing)<\/em> G\u00e5 rakt fram till korsningen och sv\u00e4ng v\u00e4nster. G\u00e5 f\u00f6rbi McDonalds och sv\u00e4ng h\u00f6ger.
\nTourist: Tack!
\nS-O: Det var s\u00e5 lite.<\/p>\n

At home, Sven-Olof and Marie eat a simple dinner and watch their favorite TV show P\u00e5 Sp\u00e5ret before heading for bed.<\/em><\/p>\n

God natt, Sven-Olof!<\/p>\n

Challenge yourself with Clozemaster<\/h2>\n

Test your skills and see what you’ve learned from this article by playing a selection of sentences with common Swedish phrases:<\/strong><\/p>\n