Language and culture
From learning Swedish to getting your head around Swedish manners, customs and culture
OPINION: Are tips in Sweden becoming the norm?
Should you tip in Sweden? Habits are changing fast thanks to new technology and a hard-pressed restaurant trade, writes James Savage.
Swedish word of the day: sportlov
For most Swedish schoolchildren, February (or the beginning of March) is synonymous with sportlov, or the annual sports vacation. The vacation was initially created during World War Two as a response to Sweden's energy crisis.
Christmas gift guide: 5 Swedish books recently translated into English
Looking for a Swedish novel for the bookworm on your Christmas list? Here are five Swedish titles that have recently been published in English translation.
13 sure signs you've mastered the Swedish language
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.
Five things I learned about Sweden's schools by working as a teacher
When The Local recently asked its readers about Swedish schools, I couldn’t help but smile. Because as a teacher I can tell you many of the points raised were spot on. Here are five of the things I've learned from being an insider.
Third person Swedish: When do you use sin, sitt and sina?
Swedish teacher Sara Hörberg explains the best tips, tricks and pitfalls to watch out for when learning the Swedish language.
Swedish word of the day: uteservering
This word is key for those long Nordic evenings.
Swedish word of the day: skottår
You'll probably only use this word every four years; still, it's a good one to know.
Swedish word of the day: fy
Today we take a look at one of those words that may seem small and insignificant, but when deployed correctly can make your Swedish sound much more native.
Swedish word of the day: bakfylla
Happy New Year! Depending on how you celebrated the start of 2024, here's a word that might just come in handy today.
Swedish words that just sound wrong in English
Swedish is a fun language to learn, but there are some words which can bring a blush to English-speakers' cheeks. Here are eight words which we still find awkward to use in conversation.
Swedish vocabulary: The words and phrases you need to survive the job hunt
In many companies across Sweden, English is the working language, but understanding at least some Swedish will serve you well in the search for a job.
Eight essential Swenglish words the world should adopt right now
Swenglish is the term for English spoken with a heavy Swedish influence, and while it usually refers to Swedes speaking their second language, native English speakers who live in the country might also find that their language becomes Swedified over time.
Villa Volvo Vovve: The Local publishes new book on life in Sweden
In an extract from The Local’s new book about the Swedish language and lifestyle, editor Catherine Edwards asks how much we can learn about a country from its language alone.
Ten essential Sámi words that you might not have heard before
There are about ten Sámi languages alive today, spoken across the northern parts of Scandinavia and eastern Russia. But they are among the many Indigenous languages around the world that are at risk of disappearing.
Why do Swedes and Danes insist on pretending they speak the same language?
There's something heroic about the way Danes and Swedes insist on trying to communicate with one another using their own languages, but more often than not end up nodding, smiling, and only pretending to understand. Why not give up and just speak English?
Why is Sweden called Sweden? The Local answers Google's questions
Why is Sweden called Sweden? Why is Sweden so depressing? Why is Sweden so rich? In this series of articles, The Local answers some of the most common questions that appear when you type "Why is Sweden..." into the Google search engine.
Swedish vocabulary: How to talk about the political crisis like a Swede
Keeping up with the twists and turns over the recent events in Swedish politics is a challenge, let alone navigating it in a foreign language. We've collected the key Swedish words and phrases you need to hold your own when the conversation turns to politics.
Why a Swedish politician is demanding the right to speak an ancient 'forest language' in parliament
Sweden's forest language Elfdalian is at risk of dying out, and this week a politician took the question of its survival to parliament.
Kiva! Seven unique Finland Swedish words the world needs to know
Sweden is not the only country where Swedish is spoken as a first language. Here are some words that are unique to the Swedish that's spoken in Finland.
Ten common phrases in Sweden's ancient forest language Elfdalian
With only 3,000 speakers confined to a small area of Dalarna County, Sweden's ancient forest language Elfdalian is undoubtedly unique. Now, experts in the tongue have picked out 10 key phrases for The Local so we can all do a little to help keep it alive.
Sweden proposes language requirement for would-be citizens
People applying for Swedish citizenship should be required to show proof of Swedish language skills and understanding of the Swedish society, according to a new inquiry.
OPINION: Is it just me… or has English taken over Stockholm?
You can't escape the English language in the Swedish capital, says Australian podcaster Oliver Gee, who's beginning to wonder why he bothered learning Swedish at all.