Swedish basics in minutes
Start with words you can use today. In the first week, focus on greetings, yes/no, numbers, and how to say your name. These basics give beginners quick wins and real conversations in minutes.
Read each phrase aloud twice. Then shadow it—play the audio (from any free online resource) and speak at the same time. You only need 5–10 minutes to make these stick.
- Hej! – Hi!
- Tack / Tack så mycket – Thanks / Thank you very much
- Ja / Nej – Yes / No
- Jag heter… – My name is…
- Jag kommer från… – I come from…
- Ursäkta / Förlåt – Excuse me / Sorry
- Var ligger…? – Where is…?
- En, två, tre… – One, two, three…
A simple routine that fits busy days
Consistency beats cramming. Aim for 15 minutes daily: 5 minutes vocabulary, 5 minutes pronunciation, 5 minutes sentences. If you have more time, repeat one block. That’s all most beginners need to grow steadily.
Use micro‑goals: today learn 10 words, tomorrow build 3 sentences, the next day review. Track with a notes app or a printable PDF checklist so progress feels visible and motivating.
- Set a 15‑minute timer and remove distractions.
- Learn 10 high‑frequency words tied to one theme (food, travel, family).
- Speak every word out loud; record yourself and compare.
- Build 3 short sentences using today’s words.
- Review yesterday’s items with spaced repetition (day 1, 3, 7, 14).
Best free online resources (and PDFs)
You can learn Swedish online entirely free by mixing dictionaries, audio, easy news, and community practice. Save or print a PDF cheat sheet for core phrases and keep it in your bag for offline study.
Combine one listening source (podcast or YouTube), one reading source (easy news), and one tool for words (flashcards or a dictionary). That trio covers all skills at A1–A2.
- Dictionaries: Lexin or Folkets lexikon for clear definitions and audio.
- Listening: Radio Sweden på lätt svenska, beginner podcasts, Easy Swedish videos.
- Reading: 8 Sidor (simple Swedish news) for daily short articles.
- Words: Spaced‑repetition flashcards; export your deck to a PDF for quick review.
- Speaking: Language exchanges or voice notes with tandem partners online.
Pronunciation and spelling: what you need
Swedish spelling is friendly once you learn the key sounds. Focus on å, ä, ö and the soft consonants. Keep stress usually on the first syllable. Record yourself often and compare to native audio.
Quick vowel guide: å like the “aw” in law; ä like “e” in bed (often a bit wider); ö like a rounded “ur” in nurse. The sj‑sound (sj, stj, skj) is a soft “sh” made further back. K and g are soft before e, i, y, ä, ö (k→“sh”, g→“y”).
- Practice minimal pairs: tak (roof) vs. tack (thanks).
- Hold long vowels longer; short vowels are followed by double consonants.
- Shadow 2 minutes daily: play a sentence and imitate rhythm and melody.
- Mark stress with a dot in your notes: •Ja g he ter…
- Use mouth rounding for ö and lip rounding for å to hit target sounds.
From words to sentences: patterns for beginners
Swedish loves simple S‑V‑O order: Jag talar svenska (I speak Swedish). For statements starting with a time or place, the verb comes second: Idag studerar jag (Today I study). This V2 rule is a core part of the basics.
Negation is inte, usually after the verb: Jag talar inte svenska. Yes/no questions place the verb first: Talar du svenska? Wh‑questions add a question word: Var bor du? Modal verbs help express need and ability: Jag kan prata lite, Jag vill kaffe, Jag måste gå.
- SVO: Jag läser svenska varje dag.
- V2 after an opener: På kvällen pluggar jag.
- Negation: Jag äter inte kött.
- Yes/No question: Dricker du kaffe?
- Wh‑question: Vad heter du?
- Modal + verb: Jag kan förstå lite. Jag vill köpa en biljett.
FAQ
- How many minutes a day do I need to reach A1–A2?
- With 15–30 minutes daily, most learners hit A1 in 6–8 weeks and A2 in 3–6 months. Keep sessions short, speak aloud, and review with spaced repetition.
- Can I learn Swedish free online?
- Yes. Use free online dictionaries, easy news, podcasts, and YouTube. Make flashcards and a printable PDF of key phrases. Pair listening, reading, and speaking every day.
- Should beginners focus on grammar or vocabulary first?
- Do both lightly. Learn the basics of word order (SVO, V2) and negation while building 10–15 high‑frequency words a day. Then make short sentences from day one.
- Is Swedish pronunciation hard for English speakers?
- It’s manageable. Master å, ä, ö, the sj‑sound, and soft k/g. Shadow audio for 2–5 minutes daily and record yourself. Consistent feedback makes it click.
- What do I need to practice speaking if I’m studying solo?
- You only need your phone. Read dialogues aloud, shadow native audio, and send voice notes to a language partner. If alone, narrate routines: Jag gör kaffe, Jag går till jobbet.