Planning a trip to Sweden? Learning a few key Swedish phrases can transform your experience, helping you connect with locals and navigate daily situations. This guide covers 100 essential phrases for travellers and beginners, grouped by context, with phonetic pronunciations in brackets. For a broader introduction, check out our Swedish language homepage. And if you need to master the alphabet and sounds first, our Learn Swedish Basics — Alphabet, Numbers & Pronunciation guide is the perfect starting point.
Greetings & Essentials
Swedes are friendly but appreciate polite greetings. Use these phrases daily.
| Swedish | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Hej | [hey] | Hello |
| Hej då | [hey doh] | Goodbye |
| God morgon | [good mor-ron] | Good morning |
| God kväll | [good kvel] | Good evening |
| Hej hej | [hey hey] | Hi (informal) |
| Tack | [tack] | Thank you |
| Tack så mycket | [tack so mew-ket] | Thank you very much |
| Varsågod | [vahr-shoh-good] | You're welcome / Here you go |
| Ursäkta | [oor-sek-ta] | Excuse me |
| Förlåt | [fur-lot] | Sorry |
| Ja / Nej | [yah / ney] | Yes / No |
Restaurant & Ordering Food
Swedish dining often involves the beloved concept of fika (coffee and cake break). Use these phrases to order with confidence.
| Swedish | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| En kaffe, tack | [en kah-feh, tack] | A coffee, please |
| Ett glas vatten | [et glahs vaht-ten] | A glass of water |
| Notan, tack | [noo-tan, tack] | The bill, please |
| Jag vill beställa | [yahg vil be-stel-la] | I would like to order |
| Vad rekommenderar du? | [vahd re-kom-men-de-rar doo] | What do you recommend? |
| Smakar det bra? | [smah-kar de brah] | Does it taste good? |
| Det var gott! | [de vahr got] | That was tasty! |
| Jag är allergisk mot... | [yahg ahr al-ler-gisk moot] | I am allergic to... |
| Utan kött, tack | [oo-tan shuht, tack] | Without meat, please |
Getting Around & Directions
Navigating Swedish cities is easy with these phrases. For accurate timekeeping, see our guide to current time in Sweden.
| Swedish | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Var ligger...? | [vahr lig-gehr] | Where is...? |
| Höger / Vänster | [hur-ger / ven-ster] | Right / Left |
| Rakt fram | [rahkt fram] | Straight ahead |
| Närmaste tunnelbanestation | [nair-mah-steh too-nel-bah-ne stah-shohn] | Nearest metro station |
| Hur lång tid tar det? | [hoor long teed tahr de] | How long does it take? |
| Jag är vilse | [yahg ahr vil-se] | I am lost |
| Kan du visa på kartan? | [kan doo vee-sah poh kahr-tahn] | Can you show me on the map? |
Emergencies & Health
Safety first: know these crucial phrases.
| Swedish | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Hjälp! | [yelp] | Help! |
| Ring en ambulans | [ring en ahm-boo-lahns] | Call an ambulance |
| Jag behöver en läkare | [yahg be-hur-ver en lay-kah-re] | I need a doctor |
| Var finns närmaste sjukhus? | [vahr fins nair-mah-ste shoo-khoos] | Where is the nearest hospital? |
| Jag har tappat bort mitt pass | [yahg hahr tahp-aht boort mit pahs] | I have lost my passport |
| Jag behöver polis | [yahg be-hur-ver poo-lees] | I need the police |
| Jag är sjuk | [yahg ahr shook] | I am sick |
Small Talk & Social
Swedes appreciate polite small talk. Use these to start conversations.
| Swedish | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Hur mår du? | [hoor mohr doo] | How are you? |
| Jag mår bra, tack | [yahg mohr brah, tack] | I'm fine, thanks |
| Vad heter du? | [vahd hay-ter doo] | What is your name? |
| Jag heter... | [yahg hay-ter] | My name is... |
| Trevligt att träffas | [trev-leet aht tref-fahs] | Nice to meet you |
| Var kommer du ifrån? | [vahr kom-mer doo ee-frohn] | Where are you from? |
| Jag kommer från... | [yahg kom-mer frohn] | I am from... |
| Talar du engelska? | [tah-lahr doo eng-el-skah] | Do you speak English? |
| Jag förstår inte | [yahg fur-stohr in-teh] | I don't understand |
| Kan du tala långsammare? | [kan doo tah-lah long-sah-mah-re] | Can you speak more slowly? |
| Ha en bra dag! | [hah en brah dahg] | Have a nice day! |
With these 100+ phrases, you're ready to explore Sweden with confidence. For deeper learning, check out the Best Apps and Sites to Learn Swedish in 2026 to build your skills further. And don't forget to practice pronunciation using our alphabet guide. Lycka till! (Good luck!)