The Local Sweden

13 sure signs you've mastered the Swedish language

Fri, 17 Aug 2018 15:13:21 +0200

Anyone who's attempted it will admit that the Swedish language has its tricky aspects. The unique sounds, the rules regarding word order, and the frankly obscene number of plural forms all make it difficult to master, leaving many learners uncertain how to reply when asked the inevitable questions of 'do you speak Swedish?' and the ensuing 'so are you fluent?' The good news is, if you identify with most of the items on this list, you're well on your way.

Third person Swedish: When do you use sin, sitt and sina?

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 08:59:59 +0200

Swedish teacher Sara Hörberg explains the best tips, tricks and pitfalls to watch out for when learning the Swedish language.

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.

12 untranslatable Swedish words they didn't teach you at SFI

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 07:59:59 +0100

Language both shapes and is shaped by the people that speak it, so discovering the words that are unique to a particular culture is like being let in on a secret.

Want permanent residence? Learn Swedish first, new report proposes

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 19:37:40 +0200

Permanent residence permits should only be granted to foreigners who can show they are able to meet certain requirements regarding Swedish skills and civics knowledge, a new report suggests.

Linguist slams agency for gibberish letter

Thu, 22 Aug 2013 09:17:00 +0200

A Swedish language expert was so angered by a letter she received from the Swedish patent office that she filed a complaint against the agency for correspondence that was simply "too confusing".

Skål! The Local's guide to Sweden's bizarrely intricate toasting etiquette

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 18:44:59 +0200

Raise your glass, then look each other in the eye, then drink, then... wait, what happens next? Before you dine with the Swedes, watch The Local's video.

Eight unexpected ways to experience history in Sweden this summer

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 15:59:39 +0200

For anyone willing to venture outside the usual destinations, Sweden offers some unexpected opportunities to discover history. From a shrine to a heavy metal music icon to the birthplace of a favorite Swedish candy to Native American culture, here are eight places off the beaten path in Sweden where you can experience history in ways that just might surprise you.

WATCH: Sweden star Marcus Berg's four-year-old son in tears as dad makes World Cup debut

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 11:40:20 +0200

Sweden's 1-0 win over South Korea in their opening fixture of the 2018 World Cup was a special moment for many, but it was particularly special for veteran Marcus Berg and his young son.

Norway youth now 'too lazy' to take Swedes' café jobs: lobby group

Sat, 16 Jun 2018 18:29:13 +0200

Young Norwegians are so spoilt that most no longer consider jobs in cafés or restaurants now staffed largely by Swedes, the head of Norway’s national business lobby group has complained.

Six totally Swedish things that actually aren't

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 08:55:00 +0100

Ikea, Volvo and meatballs. What could be more Swedish than that? Quite a lot, it turns out. The Local investigates six super 'Swedish' things that actually came from abroad.

Study Swedish or lose welfare, Swedish Social Democrats propose

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 16:40:50 +0200

Sweden's governing Social Democrats want to make it obligatory for immigrants to study Swedish in order to claim welfare.

Inspectorate highlights failings in Swedish for Immigrants courses

Thu, 19 Apr 2018 10:37:37 +0200

The Swedish Schools Inspectorate (Skolinspektionen) says there are several failings in the country's Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) courses including a lack of competent teachers.

The Local's eight best Swedish words of the week

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 07:59:00 +0100

The Local regularly asks people in Sweden to name their favourite Swedish word and explain why they love it so much, and the results are often surprising. Here are eight of our favourites so far, ranging from something sneaky, to outer space.

'Give back for old cheese': Alicia Vikander teaches Swedish slang to the world

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 18:01:27 +0100

Ever wanted to call someone a brat in Swedish but can't quite find the word? With the help of Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander now you can, thanks to a new video teaching the world some useful slang phrases in her native tongue.

The Local's Swedish word of the week - part 9

Fri, 01 Dec 2017 14:28:21 +0100

Every week we ask a Swede, or a foreigner in Sweden, to explain their favourite word. Watch the video below and click here to learn more about the Swedish language.

The Local's Swedish word of the week – part 2

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 16:28:34 +0200

Every week we ask a Swede, or a foreigner in Sweden, to explain their favourite word. Watch the video below and click here to learn more about the Swedish language.

The Local's Swedish word of the week – part 1

Fri, 29 Sep 2017 17:51:06 +0200

Every week we ask a Swede, or a foreigner in Sweden, to explain their favourite word.

Får får får? Hacking the trickiest word in the Swedish language

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 08:59:59 +0200

When does 'får' mean sheep and when does it mean 'get'? Swedish teacher Sara Hörberg explains one of the most difficult words in the Swedish language.

Eleven Swedish 'false friends' you need to watch out for

Thu, 13 Jul 2017 09:59:59 +0200

Never, ever take the Swedish language at face value. This is a language where "puss" means "kiss" and "kiss" means "pee". And that's just the beginning...