English is the language my entire family speaks. Only English. I know a smidgeon of French from high school, but that is it. My husband speaks both his primary language as well as English, which he learned from an early age. He came to the United States for college and in our home, he exclusively […]
Swedish
Maria, Ukraine
After exploring different universities and countries, I fell in love with Sweden; 1.5 months later I got on a train to a little town in the middle of Sweden.
Better your Swedish skills with the Internet
When you’re an adult, learning a new language can be tough. Children often simply soak up new languages by playing and interacting with others, however for us adults, learning Swedish is a long and hard road. In this age of technology and social media however, learning a new language can also be an interesting and […]
The mystery of the Swedish identity during the summer holidays
Sweden is infamous for shutting down during the summer months, and often earlier – and longer, than in most European countries. Why is that so, and what consequences does it it have? The answers are called industrisemester and sommarlov. These are two heavily institutionalised concepts that are deeply ingrained in our work culture and personal […]
Utbildningsradion – a knowledge bank for lifelong learning
Do you want to learn more about the world and at the same time practise and improve your Swedish? Then you should check out Utbildningsradion, UR´s programmes. The programs of Utbildningsradions cover all sorts of themes (from biology, geography, history, politics & literature and much more) and the programmes are available online for a long […]
Moving from Syria to Sweden – Rawa’s story
Rawa arrived in Sweden two years ago. Back in Syria, she was leading a happy life, working as an teacher and enjoying life with her family.
Swedish expressions – I have a rooster in my throat
Swedish expressions come in many forms. Swedes are usually very good at English but sometimes, as you are likely to notice if you hang out with Swedes long enough – things can get a bit confusing. And it quite often has to do with proverbs that really don’t work when directly translated. But what are […]
Want to go for a fika?
”Ska vi fika?” when you are asked this question in a Swedish office, the only answer you are supposed to give is ”Yes”. What have you just said “yes” to? Probably to the most common moment of relax in any office worldwide: the coffee break. The Swedes have this little word, Fika. If you wonder […]
Moving from Italy to Sweden – Alessandro’s story
Alessandro is a freelance translator who studied Scandinavian Studies at the University and moved to Stockholm after his degree.
LGBT and the challenges of coming out at the office in Sweden
You’ve come all the way to Sweden. Now it’s time come out at the office. Just like in most countries, in Sweden it can be a tough decision as to when to come out as LGBT to your family, friends, classmates, and colleagues. I came to Sweden as a student in my early 20s, and […]
Private Swedish courses and teachers
Private teaching can focus on your weakness and needs. It is, therefore a great a complement to regular language learning.
No cow on the ice and other confusing Swedish expressions
Every country has its fair share of weird expressions and Sweden is no different. As a Newbie who speaks Swedish you will soon encounter Swedish expressions that will make you a bit confused. And if you don’t speak Swedish yet, don’t worry – it is quite common that Swedes will take their expressions and just […]
