As an
Au Pair in Sweden, learning Swedish is not only a valuable skill for everyday life but also a great way to bond with your Host Family and integrate into Swedish culture. Still, looking for reasons
why you should learn the language? Read our
article about it and find out.
Although it may seem daunting at first, there are many practical tips and tricks that can help make learning Swedish enjoyable and effective. Here's a guide to get you started on your Swedish language journey!
1. Use Language Apps
There are many free language apps, such as Duolingo, that can help you practice Swedish. These apps are great for learning vocabulary, sentence structure, and basic grammar. Try to practice a little every day, even if it's just for 10-15 minutes. This way you could already learn the language before even travelling to
Sweden.
2. Read, Listen, Watch
One of the most enjoyable ways to learn Swedish is to incorporate the language into your hobbies. Whether you're an avid reader, music lover, or film fan, these activities can be a fun and effective way to immerse yourself in the language.
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Books: Start by reading simple books or children's literature in Swedish. This might be more difficult if you are not yet in the country but you could still find something on the internet. Otherwise it is a perfect idea for the first few days/weeks in the country.
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Music: Listening to Swedish music is a great way to familiarize yourself with Swedish pronunciation and intonation. Try listening to popular Swedish artists like Molly Sandén, Sabina Ddumba, Viktor Leksell, or Omar Rudberg. Singing along can help you improve your language skills while making the learning process more fun. Apps like Spotify often have playlists dedicated to Swedish music, as well as Swedish podcasts, which are also a great source for listening to the language.
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Movies and TV series: Watching Swedish movies and TV series can be a highly effective way of hearing the language spoken naturally in different contexts. Start with Swedish children’s shows or family-friendly films, which often use simpler language. As you get more comfortable, you can try watching other Swedish movies/series. You can start with subtitles in your own language and then switch to Swedish subtitles as your skills improve. Popular Swedish shows such as The Bridge (Bron) or Young Royals can be both entertaining and educational, helping you to better understand the language and culture.
3. Learn Key Phrases for Daily Life
To start using Swedish right away, focus on learning basic phrases for everyday interactions. Start with greetings, asking for help, and basic questions you might need when shopping, travelling, or interacting with your Host Family. This will make you
feel more confident in your daily life. You could even make a list of important words on your phone or a piece of paper that you always have with you. Some basics:
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Tack: Thank you
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Hej: Hello
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Hejdå: Goodbye
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Godmorgon: Good Morning
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God Natt: Good Night
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Hur mår du?: How are you?
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En kaffe tack.: One coffee, please.
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Jag heter xy: My name is xy
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Vad heter du?: What is your name?
4. Join Language Exchange Groups
If you're looking to practice Swedish with native speakers, consider joining a language exchange group. Many cities and towns in Sweden have meetups where locals and learners can practice speaking with each other. If in-person groups aren't available, you can also find a
tandem partner on our platform. Read more about it
here.
5. Take a Swedish Language Course
You should consider enrolling in a
language course. Many Swedish cities offer courses for newcomers or language learners. Check with your Host Family or local community centers for available options. A language course can really help to learn the language, especially the grammar and pronunciation. During the course, you will have the opportunity to talk to fellow students and practice speaking.
6. Practice with Your Host Family
Your Host Family is a fantastic resource for learning Swedish. Don't be afraid to ask them to speak Swedish with you, even if you're just starting out. They'll probably appreciate your effort and may even correct you gently if necessary. Practicing in real-life conversations will help you feel
more comfortable with the language and improve your confidence. And don’t worry about speaking perfectly right away. The more you practice, the more you’ll improve. Be patient with yourself, and celebrate small victories, such as holding a basic conversation or understanding a Swedish TV show without subtitles. Learning a new language takes time, and mistakes are part of the process.
Learning Swedish as an Au Pair is a rewarding challenge that opens up new opportunities for personal growth and a deeper connection with your
Host Family and community. By immersing yourself in the language, practicing every day, and using the tips above, you'll be well on your way to mastering Swedish in no time.
Lycka till (good luck)!
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