The Local Sweden

10 words English borrowed from Swedish (and what they really mean)

Sun, 08 Dec 2019 21:04:32 +0100

It's well known that Sweden's parent language Old Norse had an influence on English thanks to those pesky raiding Vikings, but did you know that Swedish itself has also left its mark on the tongue? Here are 10 words English borrowed from Swedish, and what they really mean.

Reader's view: Why is it so hard for Sweden to accept English in public life?

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 20:00:05 +0200

A reader of The Local shares her story of trying to enter the Swedish job market after completing her doctoral studies.

Why are Swedes no longer the world's best at English?

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 12:46:15 +0100

A new survey suggests that Swedes are no longer the world's best non-native English-speakers. But is that cause for concern?

Ten essential summer reads according to the Swedish bookstore voted world's best

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 08:59:00 +0200

Recently chosen as the best bookstore in the world by the London Book Fair, The English Bookshop in Uppsala knows a thing or two about the written word. The Local asked owner Jan Smedh to hand-pick ten must-read titles for the summer.

More studying at English language schools in Sweden

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 09:28:16 +0100

The number of schools teaching in English alongside Swedish has increased in Sweden, with a surge in students studying at the International English Schools (IES) over the last 10 years.

Swedish minister criticized for spending thousands on English language help

Wed, 13 Dec 2017 17:55:34 +0100

Sweden's rural affairs minister has been criticized in Swedish media for racking up bills of hundreds of thousands of kronor to pay for language help in order to improve his English skills.

Nordics fail to win back crown as world's best English speakers

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 13:48:31 +0100

Scandinavians are among the world's best non-native English speakers according to a global ranking, but have found themselves bested by the Dutch for the second year running.

Opinion: Why it's time for Sweden to fully accept English in the workplace

Mon, 05 Jun 2017 15:58:30 +0200

Swedish organizations can no longer afford to place English-speaking candidates outside the recruitment process, argues Hays Sweden managing director Johan Alsén.

Why Sweden now has English and Arabic speaking digital doctors

Thu, 04 May 2017 17:37:48 +0200

A new digital doctor service offering appointments in English and Arabic hopes to provide healthcare fit for modern Sweden, its founder has told The Local.

Stay away from Swenglish grammar, Swedes are told

Thu, 23 Mar 2017 12:58:42 +0100

Swedes have been told to avoid using English grammar when writing in Swedish, with the growing use of English plural forms creating a language headache.

Swedes world's third best non-native English speakers

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 11:50:26 +0100

Swedes are the world's third-best non-native English speakers, according to a new global ranking released on Tuesday.

The day I learned how to squeeze a Swedish elephant

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 10:49:19 +0100

Is making yourself understood more important than correct grammar? Stockholm-based English teacher David Ashby ponders that question.

Swedes over-estimate English abilities: expert

Sat, 20 Dec 2014 08:28:00 +0100

Swedes are generally confident in their own English abilities, a new survey has shown, although one expert has questioned whether this belief is misplaced.

Swedes no longer 'world's best' at English

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 11:01:00 +0100

Swedish people are the third best in the world at speaking English as a second language, a major fall from grace after two years in top spot, a major report released this week concluded.

Swedish kids test better in English than Swedish

Mon, 14 Oct 2013 09:49:00 +0200

Swedish ninth graders get better marks in English than in Swedish, with experts explaining that English is increasingly accessible for the students, who find the subject more applicable than ever before.

Swedes second best at English in the EU

Fri, 27 Sep 2013 10:34:00 +0200

Swedish people rated their own proficiency in English higher than any other member states of the EU besides Malta, according to new data released on European Language Day on Thursday.

Swedish people just don't understand small talk

Tue, 02 Jul 2013 16:37:00 +0200

The Local's Oliver Gee reflects on the small-time manners of Swedes, and ponders why Swedish people don't seem to know how to be "polite in passing".

Expats flock to Sweden's evangelical churches

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0100

With Easter just around the corner, contributor Judi Lembke looks at how a different breed of churches in Sweden is helping English-speaking foreigners find a sense of community in their adopted homes.

UK comic uses English to get laughs in Gothenburg

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:03:00 +0100

The Local chats with British comedian Paul B. Edwards about Swedish humour, the problems with anti-comedy, and the launch of his new English-language comedy show in Gothenburg.

Swedes' most common English errors exposed

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:52:00 +0100

While Swedes boast some of the best English language skills in the world, they are not immune to making a fair number of mistakes. The Local examines where Swedes slip up in English, and why.