Reading in another language is often easier than listening. You read in your own pace, in your own “dialect” and you might recognize international words. Actually hearing what someone says might be a different story. But practice makes if not perfect at least … excellent practice! My advice to you is to mix your listening habits for a varied vocabulary, speed and dialects; for instance news, radio shows from casual to documentary and varied genres of literature. Start with children’s books! Did you know you can listen to children’s books via Spotify? Astrid Lindgren, other Swedish classics aswell as Barbapapa. Below you find a link to Alfons Åberg (Alfie Atkins in English, Willie Wiberg auf Deutsch). If you can’t see the link properly (since it has decided to function randomly) go to Spotify and search “ljudböcker”.
“Raska på Alfons Åberg” 7 min
Tag Archives: lessons
Glad sommar!
Jag önskar nya och gamla kunder en riktigt glad sommar! Befintliga kunder fortsätter under sommaren; nya är välkomna i augusti.
Happy summer to all of my current as well as new, potential customers! Lessons will go on all summer for some of my students; new customers are welcome in August!
Expressions in Swedish using the word “grön” (green)
Spring has arrived and the nature is practically exploding around us! Every possible shade and shape of green is offering its beauty. Rest your eyes and mind on dancing foliage; use your senses and memorize a new expression; expressions in Swedish using the word “grön” (green). Some of the phrases and idioms are used in several languages.
First I’ll give you two expressions that are often used in reference to nature, garden and outdoor life as well as healthy food:
grönt och skönt
grönt är skönt
grönt – here referencing the color green, vegetables or greenery
skön = nice, comfortable, fine, beautiful
Phrases and idioms:
Att komma på grön kvist = to end up in a financially good position. “De har minsann kommit på grön kvist.”
Att ge grönt ljus till någon = to give someone the green light (permission) “Jag gav honom grönt ljus”.
Att få grönt ljus = to receive a permission, “good to go”, to get a green light. “De fick båda grönt ljus av chefen.”
Att vara grön av avund = to be jealous. “Han blev grön av avund!”
gröna vågen = “green wave”; the trend in the 70’s seeing young families leaving the cities moving out to the countryside in Sweden
att ha gröna fingrar = to be good at keeping plants and garden; to have green fingers; to have a green thumb. “Hon har verkligen gröna fingrar!”
Gräset är alltid grönare på andra sidan. = The grass is always greener … Other circumstances might appear more desirable than one’s own but in reality they are not.
Idas sommarvisa
“Idas sommarvisa”, or “Du ska inte tro det blir sommar” is a popular spring/summer song among school children in Sweden. It is often seen as a non-religious alternative to hymns (even though there is a reference to “someone to take action” in the lyrics – which of course is free to interpretation). The song is widely used during the ceremony of the last day of school (skolavslutningen) before the summer break.
“Idas sommarvisa” was featured in the Emil movie from 1973.
Lyrics by Astrid Lindgren.
Learning about this tune and perhaps part of the song/a few new words is good practice not only for learning the Swedish language but also a for getting to know Swedish culture.
Listen via Youtube:
Listen via Spotify. Use the lyrics function in Spotify to see the words.
Glad påsk! Happy Easter! Free print in Swedish
A Happy Easter to all my customers, followers and friends! Let there be sunshine, food, company, love and lots of chocolate!
And a Happy weekend if you do not celebrate Easter.
As usual you can print this mini poster – put it in a small frame on the counter, or put it up on the refrigerator door to learn or keep Swedish vocabulary alive! Just right click on the picture. Share or leave a comment if the print made you happy!
Charlotta
Gott nytt år!
Happy new year dear all – gott nytt år! A big thank you to all my customers and supporters 2014.
The last Swedish lesson this year I gave this morning, via Skype – yes, on New years eve – and on Friday the 2nd I will have my first meeting 2015; with an expat family.
Looking forward to meet you all in 2015!
Gott nytt år!
Charlotta
Christmas craft – instructions in Swedish
In my previous post I promised to provide links to instructions for Christmas craft in Swedish. Why? Because it is fun, and because it is a way for you to activate both brain hemispheres when learning the Swedish language, which is beneficial for your acquisition hereof.
I practiced this method myself yesterday when I tried to fold a small star from an instruction in German. I did not succeed in making the star but I did learn a new German word – which I now have a visual of in my head; working on different sections of paper ribbons across one another. I tried to fold it anew this morning from a Swedish video but have to say I did not manage that one either on the first go :).
So, which Christmas craft will you do first? Below you find three suggestions. How about sending me a pic of your master piece when you are done? I will happily put it in my FB timeline.
If you go here you will learn how to make a “smällkaramell” (see photo above) in Swedish. Sveriges Radio is providing the written instruction, with illustrations.
Below is a link to Barnens bokklubb, who provides a pdf for the task of folding a traditional paper heart. Yes I would like to make a heart – show me the instruction in Swedish! Pdf.
Here is a link to Arla’s video on how to make a paper star. Video; for you to practice your listening skills.
Good luck! Lycka till!
Make sentences in Swedish – game
Let’s build some sentences in Swedish today! Use this game – Bella Bävers ordlek – to make sentences; silly ones or perfectly normal ones – you decide! Click “spela upp meningen” to hear the result. It’s a children’s game and kids most definitely have a lot of fun playing this. I am sure it can amuse an adult or two too, and you will most likely pick up some new vocabulary while reinforcing how to make simple sentences in Swedish. 🙂
The word game can be found on the Swedish Radio’s website.
Hej! Learning Swedish?
Interested in learning Swedish? I am Charlotta. Welcome on board!
“I had got as far as I could using text books and CDs etc. and really needed a way to practise thinking and speaking Swedish ‘on the fly’. The lessons with Charlotta have been exactly what I needed. It has been amazing how in quite a short time, I am now able to express my thoughts and opinions in Swedish on the many topics we cover during the sessions.” David, UK
No matter if you are learning Swedish as a foreign language, as a second or as a first language/mother tongue you are most likely looking for a smart and convenient way to learn. I am offering tutoring via Skype to ensure that you can fit lessons around your busy life; enjoying the freedom of being anywhere in the world – for business or for pleasure – and still allow yourself time to invest in your Swedish language proficiency.
“This sounds interesting; take me directly to Lessons to learn more.”
The blog contains tips and tricks for learning Swedish (sometimes applicable to any language). You will also find posts on Swedish culture and traditions to improve your sense of belonging to Sweden and the language; whether you live here or not, whether you travel here in real life or in your armchair.
Alright; let’s begin!
Låt oss börja!
Charlotta
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