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Swedish traditions & culture, Tips for learning Swedish

Idas sommarvisa

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“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.

Swedish traditions & culture, Tips for learning Swedish

Glad påsk! Happy Easter! Free print in Swedish

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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

miniposter Swedish vocabulary related to Easter
Glad påsk!
Swedish traditions & culture

the Sami languages

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The Sami languages conform a group of languages spoken in the Northern parts of Sweden (as well as in Northern parts of Norway, Finland and Russia). Sami is one of the official minority languages in Sweden.

“Joik” means song in Sami.

Take a moment to listen to Jon Henrik Fjällgren’s joik.

Note: 4 more minority languages are recognized in Sweden; Finnish, Romani, Yiddish and Miänkieli.

Tips for learning Swedish

Swedish Dictionary App – svensk ordlista

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If you are learning Swedish a Swedish dictionary app comes in handy.  I  suggest downloading the app  SAOL (svenska akademiens ordlista) to your device. The app is far more lighter to carry around in your pocket than the heavy IRL book. Promise.

SAOL will not always give you synonyms or explanations but spelling, inflection and declension, and the ever so important EN or ETT!

The good news – the app is a  free one. Gratis! (means “free”) Grattis! (means “congratulations”). Links at bottom of post.

If you know Swedish already you need SAOL too :). We can always learn more!

Svenska Akademiens Ordlista iTunes
Svenska Akademiens Ordlista Google Play

There is also the SO app (svenska akademiens ordbok). This is a thesaurus, providing meaning of a word, pronunciation by listening etc. Read more about it here.

 

Tips for learning Swedish

Christmas craft – instructions in Swedish

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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 :).

en smällkaramell
en smällkaramell

 

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!

Swedish traditions & culture, Tips for learning Swedish

Hej! Learning Swedish?

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Interested in learning Swedish? I am Charlotta. Welcome on board!Swedish tutor

“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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