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Welcome to our list of things that are Swedish! 🇸🇪 💛💙

Sweden, located in Northern Europe, is a country renowned for its stunning landscapes, from dense forests and crystalline lakes to its vast archipelagos. With a rich history dating back to the Vikings, Swedish culture is a harmonious blend of innovation and tradition. The Swedes have given the world iconic brands like IKEA and Volvo, cherished literary works like those of Astrid Lindgren, and unique traditions like the Midsummer celebrations. Sweden’s commitment to sustainability, gender equality, and human rights is also evident, reflecting a culture that deeply values both community and individual well-being.

Here’s a visual list of things that are Swedish – if you’d prefer categorised descriptions of Swedish things, skip past the gallery to the lists below.

Food

Swedish cuisine is known for its combination of traditional hearty dishes and fresh ingredients. Here’s an extensive list of some notable Swedish foods:

• Köttbullar: Swedish meatballs, often served with lingonberry sauce, mashed or boiled potatoes, and pickled cucumber.
• Kräftor: Crayfish boiled in a flavorful broth with dill and served cold, primarily consumed during the crayfish party season in August.
• Surströmming: Fermented herring, known for its strong odor. Traditionally served with thin bread, potatoes, and onions.
• Gravlax: Salmon cured in salt, sugar, and dill. Typically served on bread or with boiled potatoes.
• Knäckebröd: Crispbread that’s commonly eaten during breakfast or as a snack with butter, cheese, or ham.
• Raggmunk: Potato pancakes fried until crispy and often paired with lingonberries and fried pork.
• Kanelbulle: Cinnamon buns, especially popular during “Fika”, the Swedish coffee break tradition.
• Prinsesstårta: A green marzipan-covered cake filled with layers of sponge cake, jam, and vanilla custard.
• Pytt i panna: A dish made of chopped potatoes, onions, and meat, all fried together and often topped with a fried egg.
• Semla: A cardamom-spiced bun filled with almond paste and whipped cream, traditionally eaten before Lent.
• Janssons frestelse: A creamy potato and fish casserole, typically made with sprats or anchovies.
• Sill: Pickled herring, which comes in various flavors and is especially popular during Midsummer, Easter, and Christmas.
• Kroppkakor: Potato dumplings filled with onions and pork or bacon.
• Ärtsoppa: Pea soup traditionally eaten on Thursdays, followed by pancakes as dessert.
• Kalops: A slow-cooked beef stew with onions and allspice, usually served with potatoes.
• Lutfisk: Dried whitefish, usually cod, reconstituted in a lye solution and then boiled or baked, typically served during Christmas.
• Vörtbröd: A slightly sweet, dark bread made with wort and commonly eaten around Christmas.
• Kladdkaka: A dense, rich chocolate cake with a soft and sticky interior.
• Fiskbullar: Fish balls usually made of cod or haddock, served in a creamy sauce.
• Blodpudding: Black pudding or blood sausage, typically sliced, fried, and eaten with lingonberry jam.
• Korv stroganoff: Sausage Stroganoff, a variant of the beef dish, made with sliced sausage, onions, and bell peppers in a creamy tomato sauce.
• Västerbottensostpaj: A pie made with the renowned Västerbotten cheese.
• Knäckebrödrulle: Sandwich roll made with crispbread, filled with various ingredients like butter, cheese, ham, or pâté.
• Gröt: Porridge, commonly made with oats, rice, or rye, and often eaten with cinnamon, sugar, and a pat of butter.
• Spettekaka: A traditional cake from southern Sweden, made by piping batter onto a rotating spit.
• Rårörda lingon: Fresh lingonberries mixed with sugar, used as an accompaniment to various dishes.
• Smörgåstårta: A savory sandwich cake with layers of bread, creamy fillings, and toppings like shrimp, salmon, eggs, and caviar.
• Saffransbullar: Saffron buns, commonly eaten during the Christmas season, especially on St. Lucia Day.
• Ostkaka: Swedish cheesecake, not to be confused with the American cheesecake. It’s a dense, rich cake made with almonds and traditionally eaten with cloudberry jam.
• Palt: Potato and barley dumplings stuffed with meat, commonly consumed in northern Sweden.
• Tunnbröd: Thin bread, which can be soft or crisp, and is often used for wraps with fillings like potatoes, sour cream, and fish roe.

Drinks

These beverages, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, play significant roles in various Swedish traditions and celebrations. They reflect the country’s cultural heritage, natural resources, and evolving tastes.

• Absolut Vodka: Originating from the southern part of Sweden, Absolut is one of the world’s most famous vodka brands. Known for its purity and a wide variety of flavors, it’s a staple in many cocktails.
• Glögg: A traditional Swedish mulled wine consumed during the Christmas season. It’s a spiced beverage, typically made with red wine, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Often, almonds and raisins are added, and it’s served warm.
• Punsch: A Swedish liqueur that’s a blend of arrack, sugar, water, and various spices. Traditionally served warm during the winter months, it’s also a popular ingredient in desserts.
• Svagdricka: A traditional low-alcohol beer, often associated with older generations. It’s somewhat sweet, with a malty flavor and is frequently consumed during Christmas.
• Brännvin: A general term for distilled beverages in Sweden. It includes spirits like vodka and schnapps. Often flavored with herbs, spices, or fruit, it’s traditionally consumed during festive occasions.
• Snaps: Often confused with schnapps, snaps is a shot of strong spirits. In Sweden, it typically refers to brännvin that’s been spiced, and it’s a popular accompaniment to traditional dishes, especially during festive meals like Midsummer, Christmas, and crayfish parties.
• Filmjölk: A traditional fermented milk drink, similar to buttermilk or kefir. It’s tart, creamy, and often consumed at breakfast poured over cereals or mixed with fruits.
• Julmust: A carbonated soft drink that’s particularly popular during the Christmas season. Made with sugar, hop extract, and malt extract, its taste is somewhat reminiscent of cola but with a unique spicy touch.
• Påskmust: Essentially the same drink as Julmust but is consumed during Easter. The distinction between the two is mostly in the labeling and the marketing.
• Lingonberry Juice (Lingondricka): A sweetened beverage made from lingonberries. Refreshing and tart, it’s often consumed alongside traditional Swedish dishes.
• Blåbärssoppa: A warm or cold blueberry soup. Traditionally consumed during the Vasaloppet ski race, it’s both a drink and a dessert. It’s packed with antioxidants and often eaten with a dollop of cream or yogurt.
• Ekströms Rosehip Soup (Nyponsoppa): A popular pre-packaged rosehip soup. Rosehips, the fruit of the rose plant, are boiled and sweetened to make a dessert soup, which can be served warm or cold, often with almond biscuits or ice cream.
• Troçadero: A caramel-flavored soft drink that’s been popular in Sweden since the 1970s. It has a unique taste, somewhat similar to cream soda.
• Cider: Swedish cider, different from traditional English cider, is often clearer and comes in a variety of fruity flavors, with apple and pear being the most common.
• Kaffe: Coffee, of course, holds a special place in Swedish culture. The tradition of “fika”, a coffee break accompanied by pastries, is deeply ingrained in daily life.

Animals

Sweden boasts a diverse array of wildlife due to its vast landscapes that range from dense forests to tundra to coastal areas. Here’s a list of some animals that can be found in Sweden:

• Moose: Often called the ‘King of the Forest’, this large deer is a symbol of Swedish wilderness.
• Brown Bear: The largest predator in Sweden, it primarily resides in the northern forests.
• Arctic Fox: A small mammal adapted to the cold tundra, it has a fur color that changes between seasons.
• Lynx: This stealthy wild cat is mainly found in the northern and central forests.
• Grey Wolf: Once near-extinct in Sweden, the population of these majestic predators is on the rise.
• Wolverine: A strong and elusive creature found in the mountainous regions of northern Sweden.
• Reindeer: Essential to the Sami culture, these animals are indigenous to the northern parts of Sweden.
• Red Fox: A common sight, known for its adaptability and cunning nature.
• Roe Deer: Small deer that are a frequent sight in Swedish forests.
• European Badger: Nocturnal mammals that live in extensive underground burrows.
• European Otter: Skilled swimmers, they’re found near lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.
• Eurasian Beaver: Once extinct in Sweden, they’ve been successfully reintroduced to the country’s waterways.
• Red Squirrel: With tufted ears and a bushy tail, these squirrels are a treat to spot in the woods.
• Hedgehog: Often found in gardens, they’re known to roll into a defensive ball when threatened.
• Baltic Ringed Seal: These seals are specially adapted to the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea.
• White-tailed Sea Eagle: Sweden’s largest bird of prey, mainly found near coastlines and large lakes.
• Great Grey Owl: Recognized as the world’s largest owl species by length.
• Common Crane: These birds create a spectacular sight when they gather in large numbers during migration.
• Whooper Swan: The elegant national bird of Sweden.
• Pine Marten: A member of the weasel family, they’re agile climbers and hunters.
• Golden Eagle: A majestic bird of prey that inhabits the mountainous regions.
• Wild Boar: Once extinct in Sweden, their population has grown due to reforestation.
• Mountain Hare: Found in the northern parts, they turn white in winter for camouflage in the snow.
• Osprey: A fish-eating bird of prey that’s a common sight near Swedish lakes.
• Stoat: Known for its white winter coat and black-tipped tail.
• European Adder: Sweden’s only venomous snake, it’s found across the country.
• Dipper: A bird known for its unique ability to walk underwater in search of food.
• Capercaillie: The world’s largest grouse, it’s known for its impressive mating display.
• Pygmy Owl: One of Sweden’s smallest owls, it’s active during the day.
• Razorbill: A seabird that breeds on coastal cliffs.
• Snowy Owl: Occasionally seen in Sweden, it’s known for its stunning white plumage.
• European Bison: Reintroduced in certain parts, they’re Europe’s heaviest land animals.
• Peregrine Falcon: The world’s fastest bird, it can be seen in various parts of Sweden.
• Northern Lapwing: A bird recognized by its distinctive crest and broad wings.
• Hooded Crow: Similar to the common crow but with a grey body.

Plants

Sweden’s diverse landscapes, ranging from southern deciduous forests to northern coniferous forests and tundras, provide a home to an array of flora. Here’s a list of some notable Swedish plants with descriptions:

• Scots Pine: A tall, straight tree with orange-brown bark, this iconic tree dominates much of the Swedish landscape and is symbolic of Swedish forests.
• Norway Spruce: Recognizable by its drooping branches and conical shape, this tree is another major component of Swedish forests.
• Bilberry: A shrub that produces small, dark blue berries, these are a favorite summer treat in Sweden and are known for being rich in antioxidants.
• Lingonberry: Commonly found in forests, these small red, tart berries are a staple in Swedish cuisine, often served as a jam.
• Bearberry: This low-growing shrub thrives in sandy and rocky areas, particularly in the north, and produces red berries.
• Cloudberry: Native to Arctic regions, this plant bears golden-yellow berries which are a delicacy in Sweden, often used in desserts.
• Heather: Predominant in Swedish moorlands, this plant blooms with beautiful pink or purple flowers.
• Arctic Bramble: A northern specialty, this plant offers red to black juicy and aromatic berries.
• European Rowan: A tree distinguished by its clusters of bright red berries, which are commonly used in making jams and jellies in Sweden.
• Lady’s Slipper Orchid: A visually striking wild orchid, it has a unique yellow and purple pouch-like petal, making it a standout in the Swedish flora.

Sports and Activities

Sweden has a rich tradition of sports and outdoor activities, with many rooted in its geographical landscape and climate. Here’s a list of Swedish sports and activities:

• Bandy: A team winter sport played on ice, it’s similar to hockey but with a ball instead of a puck. Sweden has one of the world’s strongest bandy traditions.
• Ice Hockey: Widely popular, Sweden’s national team, Tre Kronor, is one of the most successful in the world.
• Football (Soccer): The Allsvenskan is the top professional league, with football being one of the most played and watched sports in Sweden.
• Cross-Country Skiing: Taking advantage of the snowy terrain, many Swedes engage in this sport, especially in the northern parts.
• Biathlon: Combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, Sweden has produced some top athletes in this discipline.
• Floorball (Innebandy): An indoor team sport similar to field hockey but played on a hard surface.
• Alpine Skiing: Popular in areas like Åre, which is one of the premier ski destinations in northern Europe.
• Curling: Originating from medieval Scotland, it has found a strong foothold in Sweden, with the country regularly producing top teams.
• Orienteering: Navigating through unfamiliar terrain using a map and compass; Sweden has a strong tradition and hosts many international events.
• Equestrian: Sweden has a strong equestrian tradition, especially in show jumping and dressage.
• Handball: A popular team sport with both men’s and women’s leagues.
• Canoeing and Kayaking: Popular in Sweden’s many lakes and coastal areas.
• Sailing: The archipelagoes, especially around Stockholm, offer perfect conditions.
• Fishing: With an abundance of lakes, rivers, and a vast coastline, fishing is a favored pastime.
• Golf: Played throughout the country, with the midnight sun allowing for rounds late into the night in northern parts during summer.
• Athletics: Track and field events have produced several Swedish champions, especially in high jump and pole vault.
• Swedish Longball: A traditional bat-and-ball game that’s a precursor to modern baseball and brännboll.
• Brännboll: Another traditional bat-and-ball game often played in schools and during Midsummer celebrations.
• Swimming: Both in pools and in the many lakes and coastal areas during the summer.
• Tennis: With champions like Björn Borg, Sweden has a strong tennis tradition.
• Table Tennis: Popular at both amateur and professional levels.
• Motor Sports: Particularly rally driving, with Swedish drivers often excelling in winter conditions.
• Archipelago Rowing: Using traditional wooden boats, this activity is especially popular in coastal regions.
• Sauna and Winter Swimming: A tradition, especially in the north, where individuals jump into icy water after a sauna.
• Kubb: A lawn game where the objective is to knock over wooden blocks by throwing wooden batons at them.

Tourist Sites and Attractions

Sweden, with its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and modern design aesthetics, offers a plethora of tourist attractions. Here are some notable sites and attractions:

• Stockholm Archipelago: A vast cluster of islands off the coast of Sweden’s capital, perfect for boating, fishing, and island-hopping.
• Gamla Stan (Old Town) in Stockholm: The historic center of Stockholm, with cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, the Royal Palace, and Storkyrkan Cathedral.
• ABBA The Museum: Located in Stockholm, it celebrates the music and history of Sweden’s most famous pop group.
• Vasa Museum: Showcases the well-preserved 17th-century Vasa ship that sank on its maiden voyage in Stockholm’s harbor.
• Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi: A world-famous hotel made entirely out of ice and snow, rebuilt every year.
• Liseberg Amusement Park in Gothenburg: Sweden’s most popular amusement park with thrilling rides and regular concerts.
• Drottningholm Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this palace is the private residence of the Swedish royal family.
• Skansen: An open-air museum in Stockholm that offers a peek into traditional Swedish life with historical buildings, workshops, and a zoo.
• Lapland: Sweden’s northernmost region, renowned for the Northern Lights, Sami culture, and reindeer.
• The Göta Canal: A historic waterway that runs through southern Sweden, great for cruises and exploring the picturesque countryside.
• Uppsala Cathedral: Scandinavia’s largest church, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.
• Visby: A medieval town on the island of Gotland, enclosed by remarkably preserved town walls and known for its annual Medieval Week.
• Kiruna: The northernmost town in Sweden, famous for its church, the nearby Icehotel, and the Sami culture.
• Turning Torso in Malmö: The tallest building in Scandinavia, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
• Oresund Bridge: An impressive engineering feat, it connects Malmö in Sweden to Copenhagen in Denmark.
• Ales Stenar: Often referred to as “Sweden’s Stonehenge”, this ancient stone ship formation is located in Skåne.
• Kosterhavet National Park: Sweden’s first marine national park located near Strömstad, boasting unique underwater environments.
• Marstrand: A picturesque coastal town known for its sailing events, fortress, and vibrant summer scene.
• Sigtuna: The oldest town in Sweden, with ruins, medieval churches, and quaint wooden buildings.
• Fika: Not a place, but an essential Swedish cultural experience involving coffee and pastries, best enjoyed in any local café.

Musical Instruments

Sweden has a rich musical heritage, blending ancient and modern sounds. Here are some traditional Swedish musical instruments, as well as those used widely in Swedish folk music:

• Nyckelharpa (Keyed Fiddle): This is perhaps the most iconic Swedish instrument. It’s a stringed instrument with keys that, when pressed, change the pitch of the strings. It produces a sound somewhere between a fiddle and a hurdy-gurdy.
• Hardingfele (Hardanger Fiddle): Although more commonly associated with Norway, this instrument has also found a place in Swedish traditional music. It’s a type of fiddle with additional sympathetic strings that resonate with the played strings, producing a haunting, echoing sound.
• Dragspel (Accordion): Used in various forms in Swedish folk music, especially in the genres of “polska” and “schottis”.
• Spilåpipa (Wooden Flute): A traditional Swedish wooden flute, often used in folk music.
• Cittra: A type of zither or table harp, this plucked string instrument has a calming and melodious sound.
• Säckpipa (Swedish Bagpipes): While bagpipes are more famously associated with Scotland, Sweden has its own version, which has a distinct shape and sound.
• Hummel: A stringed instrument resembling a dulcimer. It’s played by striking or plucking the strings.
• Lur: An ancient wind instrument, often made of bronze. Its long, curved shape makes it unique, and it’s sometimes depicted in ancient Nordic rock carvings.
• Kohorn (Cow Horn): An instrument made from the horn of a cow and played like a simple trumpet or bugle.
• Träskofiol (Wooden Shoe Violin): A novelty instrument made from a wooden shoe, it has a charming sound reminiscent of a regular violin.
• Skållätta: A type of Jew’s harp used in Swedish folk music.

Notable People

Sweden has produced many notable figures in various fields, from literature to sports, science to entertainment. Here’s a list of some notable Swedes:

• Alfred Nobel: The inventor of dynamite and the founder of the Nobel Prizes.
• ABBA: One of the world’s best-selling music artists, this pop group comprised Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
• Astrid Lindgren: Renowned children’s author known for characters like Pippi Longstocking.
• Ingmar Bergman: One of the greatest film directors, known for movies like “The Seventh Seal” and “Fanny and Alexander”.
• Avicii (Tim Bergling): Internationally renowned DJ and music producer.
• Carl Linnaeus: The father of modern taxonomy, who developed the system of naming organisms.
• Greta Garbo: Iconic Hollywood actress known for her roles in movies like “Anna Karenina” and “Grand Hotel”.
• Dolph Lundgren: Actor and martial artist known for roles in movies such as “Rocky IV” and “The Expendables”.
• Zlatan Ibrahimović: Celebrated footballer who has played for top clubs like Barcelona, PSG, and Manchester United.
• Henrik Lundqvist: One of the best ice hockey goalkeepers in the NHL.
• Ingvar Kamprad: Founder of IKEA, the global furniture retail giant.
• August Strindberg: Playwright and novelist, recognized for works like “Miss Julie” and “The Red Room”.
• Max Martin: Prolific music producer and songwriter behind numerous hit songs for artists like Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, and Katy Perry.
• Elin Nordegren: Former model and ex-wife of golfer Tiger Woods.
• Lars Magnus Ericsson: Founder of the telecommunications company Ericsson.
• Selma Lagerlöf: First female Nobel Prize laureate in Literature and author of “The Wonderful Adventures of Nils”.
• Raoul Wallenberg: Diplomat who saved thousands of Jews during the Holocaust.
• PewDiePie (Felix Kjellberg): One of the most subscribed-to personalities on YouTube.
• Stieg Larsson: Author of the “Millennium” trilogy, which includes “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”.
• Loreen: Singer who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012 with the song “Euphoria”.
• Jenny Lind: The “Swedish Nightingale”, a famous 19th-century opera singer.
• Alicia Vikander: Academy Award-winning actress known for roles in “Ex Machina” and “The Danish Girl”.
• Sven-Göran Eriksson: Renowned football manager.
• Henrik Stenson: Professional golfer and winner of the 2016 Open Championship.
• Robyn (Robin Miriam Carlsson): Pop singer known for hits like “Dancing On My Own” and “Call Your Girlfriend”.

Inventions

Sweden has been the birthplace of numerous influential and groundbreaking inventions. Here’s a list of some notable Swedish innovations:

• Adjustable Spanner (Wrench): Invented by Johan Petter Johansson in 1892, this tool can be adjusted to fit nuts and bolts of different sizes.
• Safety Match: Invented by Gustaf Erik Pasch in 1844, these matches made the process of starting fires much safer.
• Tetra Pak: A packaging solution for storing liquids, developed by Erik Wallenberg and produced by Ruben Rausing in 1951.
• Dynamite: Invented by Alfred Nobel in 1867, dynamite transformed construction, mining, and demolition.
• Pacemaker: The first wearable artificial pacemaker was co-invented by Rune Elmqvist and Åke Senning in 1958.
• Three-point Seatbelt: Developed by Nils Bohlin for Volvo in 1959, it has since become a standard safety feature in cars globally.
• Ball Bearings: Although the concept existed in ancient times, Sven Wingquist developed the modern self-aligning ball bearing in 1907.
• Ombrometer (Rain Gauge): Invented by Christopher Polhem in the 18th century, it measures rainfall.
• Celsius Temperature Scale: Proposed by Anders Celsius in 1742, this scale is used widely around the world.
• Agaton Sax Detective Series: While not a physical invention, this series of detective books by Nils-Olof Franzén is an innovative contribution to children’s literature.
• Qvarnstrom’s Mechanical Seed Drill: Invented by Sven Qvarnstrom in the late 18th century, this improved seed-planting efficiency.
• Hasselblad Camera: Victor Hasselblad established this brand in 1941. The camera’s unique design has made it a favorite among photographers and even NASA astronauts.
• Ship Propeller: John Ericsson, a Swedish engineer, introduced the screw propeller in the 19th century, revolutionizing marine transportation.
• Direct Current Dynamo: Also developed by John Ericsson, this device converted mechanical rotation into an electric current.
• Computer Mouse: While not fully Swedish, the trackball, a precursor to the modern mouse, was co-invented by Rolf Johannesson, a Swedish engineer, alongside Ralph Benjamin.
• Ergonomic Chair: Peter Opsvik, a Norwegian designer based in Sweden, designed the first ergonomic chair, emphasizing posture and comfort.
• Modern Refrigerator: Baltzar von Platen and Carl Munters introduced the gas absorption refrigerator in the 1920s, a precursor to many modern refrigeration designs.
• Zippers: Although not originally a Swedish invention, Gideon Sundback, a Swedish-American engineer, refined and commercialized the modern zipper.
• Bluetooth: Named after a Viking king, Bluetooth technology was co-developed by Ericsson in the 1990s.
• Spotify: Founded by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon in 2006, Spotify revolutionized music streaming.

TV Shows, Songs, Entertainment

Sweden has contributed significantly to global entertainment. Here’s a diverse list of songs, TV shows, games, and other entertainment originating from Sweden:

• Songs:
  • “Dancing Queen” by ABBA: An iconic song from the world-famous Swedish group.
  • “Wake Me Up” by Avicii: A global hit from the late Swedish DJ and producer.
  • “With Every Heartbeat” by Robyn: A chart-topping electro-pop hit.
  • “Save Tonight” by Eagle-Eye Cherry: A memorable song from the 90s.
  • “The Final Countdown” by Europe: A rock anthem known by many.
• TV Shows:
  • “Wallander”: A crime drama series based on the novels by Henning Mankell, following detective Kurt Wallander.
  • “Real Humans” (Äkta människor): A sci-fi drama about a world where human-like robots serve people.
  • “Bron/Broen (The Bridge)”: A crime series about a murder investigation on the bridge between Sweden and Denmark.
• Games:
  • “Minecraft”: A sandbox video game created by Markus Persson, better known as “Notch”. It’s one of the best-selling video games of all time.
  • “Candy Crush Saga”: A mobile game developed by King, a Swedish digital game developer.
  • “Battlefield” series: A series of first-person shooter games developed by DICE, a Swedish game developer.
  • “Crusader Kings” and “Europa Universalis” series: Strategy games developed by Paradox Interactive.
• Movies:
  • “Let the Right One In (Låt den rätte komma in)”: A critically acclaimed vampire-themed film.
  • “A Man Called Ove (En man som heter Ove)”: A heartwarming film about a grumpy old man.
  • “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Män som hatar kvinnor)”: A crime thriller based on the book by Stieg Larsson.
• Others:
  • “Swedish House Mafia”: A famous electronic dance music trio known for hits like “Don’t You Worry Child”.
  • “Roxette”: A pop-rock duo known for international hits like “It Must Have Been Love” and “Listen to Your Heart”.
  • “Ace of Base”: A pop group that achieved major success in the 90s with songs like “All That She Wants” and “The Sign”.

Slang/Phrases

Swedish, like many languages, is full of colorful slang and idiomatic expressions. Remember, the exact meaning of some of these phrases can depend on the context in which they’re used. However, familiarizing yourself with these can give you a fun insight into colloquial Swedish!

• “Lagom”: A very Swedish word that means “just right”, “not too much, not too little”. It’s often used to describe something that’s balanced or moderate.
• “Fika”: A coffee break, often accompanied by pastries. It’s more than just a break; it’s a social institution in Sweden.
• “Tjena!”: A casual way of saying “Hi!” or “Hello!”
• “Orka!”: Literally “to have the energy”. It’s often used by itself as an exclamation meaning “I can’t be bothered!” or “I don’t have the energy!”
• “Skål!”: “Cheers!” Used when toasting with drinks.
• “Mysig”: Cozy. Swedes love things that are “mysig”, like a cozy evening at home.
• “Palla”: To manage or to bother. “Jag pallar inte” means “I can’t be bothered”.
• “Skit också!”: “Oh no!” or “Darn it!”
• “Vad sa du?”: “What did you say?”
• “Nojd”: Satisfied or content. “Jag är nojd” means “I’m satisfied”.
• “Kul”: Fun. “Det var kul” means “It was fun”.
• “Snälla”: Please.
• “Nubbe”: A shot of hard liquor, often schnapps.
• “Grisig”: Literally “piggy”, but can mean “dirty” or “nasty”.
• “Grym”: Cool or awesome. “Det är grymt” means “It’s awesome”.
• “Blunda”: To close your eyes.
• “Lurig”: Tricky or sneaky.
• “Hålla tummarna”: Literally “to hold your thumbs”, the Swedish equivalent of “cross your fingers”.
• “Bra jobbat!”: “Good job!”
• “Läget?”: Short for “Hur är läget?”, meaning “How’s it going?” or “What’s up?”

We hope this list of Swedish things was useful and that you found what you needed!

We did our best to cover all of the varied meanings of “Swedish” with our visual gallery of Swedish things and descriptive list. But if you feel there’s something we missed, please feel free to let us know and leave a comment.

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