Learning Swedish
Learn everything you need to know about the Swedish language as well as useful tips and key vocabulary to help you integrate into life in Sweden.
'Ash fart', 'fat pig' and 'long lazy': a guide to Sweden's Easter insults
The days of the week leading up to Easter not only each have a special name in Swedish, they also have their own special insults.
Swedish word of the day: skärtorsdagen
Today, let's talk about the Swedish word for the day when witches fly away to dance with the devil.
Swedish word of the day: dymmelonsdag
The Wednesday before Easter has an unusual name in Swedish: dymmelonsdag. Where does the name come from?
The must-have vocabulary for buying an apartment or house in Sweden
Buying a house in Sweden? Not sure how to read a 'planritning' or what a 'budgivning' is? Here's The Local's guide.
This Swedish 'språkcafé' is about more than just learning the language
At the Ålidhem language café in Umeå, people of all ages and cultural backgrounds come to learn Swedish – and about each other. In a political landscape where immigration is often seen as a problem, community spaces like this tell a different story.
Swedish word of the day: påskris
No, it doesn't mean 'Easter rice'.
Swedish word of the day: våffla
Swedes love waffles. They've even designated a day just for eating them: March 25th. But where does the word våffla come from?
Swedish word of the day: vandel
The word of the day is a matter of conduct.
Swedish word of the day: blåsippa
Today's word of the day is a little blue spring flower with an unexpected political connection.
Swedish word of the day: livmoder
Where does a human life usually grow? Why, in a "life-mother," of course.
Swedish word of the day: skatteåterbäring
This word might look complicated, but it's well worth learning since it could equate to extra money for you...
Swedish word of the day: fullständiga rättigheter
You might have seen this phrase on the sign or menu at restaurants, but what does it actually mean?
Swedish word of the day: hinna
We hope you can find the time to learn a bit about this crucial Swedish word.
NEW: The Local's self-paced Swedish course
Due to popular demand The Local's self-paced online Swedish course for beginners is back, designed to make learning flexible and practical.
Swedish word of the day: kompis
Knowing this crucial word is sure to help you make Swedish friends.
The most unexpected foreign words in Swedish
Every language borrows from its neighbours: English is a proper mongrel, with layers of German, Danish and Norman French interspersed with smatterings of Celtic. Swedish has borrowed liberally from German, French and English, but a few other languages have left their mark, often in a way that tells a story about Swedish history. Here are some of the best.
Swedish word of the day: pålägg
Pålägg: A concept so integral to Swedish food culture that it has its own section in the supermarket. But what does it mean?
The best podcasts for learning and perfecting your Swedish
Once you've learned the basics of Swedish, listening to podcasts is one of the best ways of increasing vocabulary and speeding up comprehension. Here are some of the best podcasts out there for Swedish learners.
Swedish word of the day: mums
Today's word is a false friend for English-speakers.
Swedish word of the day: skatt
Here's a Swedish word you can expect to hear a lot at this time of year as tax season gets under way.
Swedish word of the day: prinsesstårta
You've no doubt seen these domed, bright green cream cakes at your local bakery, but what's the story behind Sweden's princess cakes (and what's the difference between a paj, a tårta and a kaka, anyway)?
Swedish word of the day: vårvinter
Today's chosen word is a beautiful one that describes an exciting time of the year.
Swedish word of the day: älskling
When you add a -ling to love, like dear in darling.