The Swedish language is an interesting one. With some similarities to other Scandinavian languages, and some unique sounds that can be difficult for some English speakers to master, it’s a different experience. The best way to learn the language is of course by immersing yourself in it – which you can do here!
Here are 9 proverbs, sayings and idioms that will help you improve your knowledge of Swedish culture along with your vocabulary.
Table of Contents
1. Ingen ko på isen.
Translation: There’s no cow on the ice.
Meaning: This is a saying that means it’s not worth the risk of something, as there are too many dangers.
2. Sitta med skägget i brevlådan
Translation: To sit with your beard in the letterbox / To be caught with your hands in the cookie jar
Meaning: This idiom refers to someone who is caught in the act of doing something wrong.
3. Det är ingen sak att komma ihåg, det är en annan sak att göra det.
Translation: It’s not difficult to remember, it’s another thing to do it.
Meaning: This proverb is a reminder that good intentions are not enough – you need to take action to make things happen.
4. Göra en tupp av en get
Translation: To make a turkey out of a goat
Meaning: This expression means to make something much harder than it needs to be.
5. Man får vad man betalar för
Translation: You get what you pay for
Meaning: This saying means that you should be willing to pay for good quality, as the product reflects the price.
6. Göra en god gärning och hålla tyst om den.
Translation: To do a good deed and keep quiet about it.
Meaning: This is a proverb which is used to describe someone who does something good but doesn’t want anyone to know about it.
7. Var glad i hjärtat, men inte på läpparna.
Translation: Be happy in your heart, but not on your lips.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe someone who is pretending to be happy when they are actually not.
8. Han hade tur som fick en tjej med två armar.
Translation: He was lucky to get a girl with two arms.
Meaning: This idiomatic expression means that he was very lucky.
9. Att ana ugglor i mossen
Translation: To suspect there are owls in the bog.
Meaning: This idiom means to suspect something bad is happening when there doesn’t seem to be any logical explanation.
There are many more proverbs, sayings and idioms in the Swedish language. These are just a few to help you get started on your journey to learn this fascinating culture!
