Language/Swedish/Vocabulary/Giving-directions
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| ◀️ Booking a trip — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Vikings and Middle Ages ▶️ |
Introduction[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, we will learn how to ask for and give directions in Swedish. Being able to navigate and understand directions is essential when traveling to a new country or city. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently ask for directions and understand the responses in Swedish. We will cover vocabulary related to streets, landmarks, and common phrases used when giving directions. So let's get started!
Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Before we start learning how to give and ask for directions, let's learn some important vocabulary related to this topic. By familiarizing yourself with these words and phrases, you will be able to understand and communicate effectively when navigating in Swedish-speaking areas.
Here are some key words and phrases you should know:
Vocabulary List[edit | edit source]
| Swedish | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Gå till vänster | go till ven-ster | Go left |
| Gå till höger | go till hoo-ger | Go right |
| Rakt fram | rakt fram | Straight ahead |
| Sväng vänster | sväng ven-ster | Turn left |
| Sväng höger | sväng hoo-ger | Turn right |
| Förbi | fur-bi | Past |
| Framför | fram-för | In front of |
| Bakom | ba-kom | Behind |
| Nära | nä-ra | Near |
| Långt borta | longt bor-ta | Far away |
| Torg | tor | Square |
| Gata | ga-ta | Street |
| Väg | väg | Road |
| Korsning | kor-sning | Intersection |
| Rondell | ron-dell | Roundabout |
| Trafikljus | trafik-lyoos | Traffic light |
| Buss hållplats | buss hol-plats | Bus stop |
| Tunnelbana | tun-nel-ba-na | Subway |
| Tågstation | toog-sta-shon | Train station |
Take some time to familiarize yourself with these words and practice their pronunciation. It will greatly enhance your ability to understand and give directions in Swedish.
Asking for directions[edit | edit source]
Now that we have learned some vocabulary, let's move on to asking for directions in Swedish. When you find yourself in a new place and need to find your way, it's important to know how to ask for help. Here are some useful phrases you can use:
- Excuse me, can you help me? - Ursäkta, kan du hjälpa mig?
- I'm lost. - Jag har gått vilse.
- Can you tell me where [place] is? - Kan du säga mig var [place] är?
- How do I get to [place]? - Hur kommer jag till [place]?
- Is it far from here? - Är det långt härifrån?
- Where is the nearest [landmark]? - Var ligger närmaste [landmark]?
These phrases will come in handy when you need to ask for directions in Swedish-speaking areas. Remember to speak clearly and politely when approaching someone for help.
Giving directions[edit | edit source]
Now let's learn how to give directions in Swedish. When someone asks you for directions, you can use the following phrases to help them:
- Go straight ahead. - Gå rakt fram.
- Turn left/right. - Sväng vänster/höger.
- It's on your left/right. - Det är på din vänster/höger.
- Keep going until you reach... - Fortsätt tills du kommer till...
- It's just around the corner. - Det är precis runt hörnet.
- It's a few minutes' walk from here. - Det är några minuters gångavstånd härifrån.
- You can take the bus/train/subway. - Du kan ta bussen/tåget/tunnelbanan.
- It's about [distance] away. - Det är ungefär [distance] bort.
Remember to speak slowly and clearly when giving directions to ensure the person understands you correctly. It can also be helpful to use gestures or point in the direction you are referring to.
Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]
When giving and receiving directions in Sweden, it's important to keep in mind some cultural aspects that may differ from other countries. Swedes are known for their efficiency and directness, so don't be surprised if the directions you receive are brief and to the point. However, Swedes are also generally friendly and willing to help, so don't hesitate to ask for assistance if you need it.
In larger cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, public transportation is a popular way to get around. Buses, trains, and subways are well-connected and efficient, making them convenient options for both locals and tourists. When asking for directions, don't be afraid to inquire about the nearest bus stop or subway station. Swedes are accustomed to helping travelers navigate the public transportation system.
Another cultural aspect to be aware of is the use of landmarks in directions. Swedes often provide directions based on recognizable landmarks rather than street names. For example, they might say "Turn left at the big statue" instead of "Turn left on Main Street." This can be both helpful and challenging for foreign visitors, as it requires paying attention to landmarks and memorizing their names.
Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]
Now it's time to practice what you have learned! Here are some exercises to help you solidify your understanding of asking and giving directions in Swedish.
Exercise 1[edit | edit source]
Read the following directions and answer the questions:
1. Gå rakt fram och sväng sedan till vänster. Var ligger du nu? 2. Gå rakt fram, ta första gatan till höger och fortsätt tills du kommer till parken. Vad finns i parken? 3. Sväng höger vid trafikljuset och gå ungefär 200 meter. Var ligger du nu? 4. Gå förbi biblioteket och sväng vänster vid korsningen. Vad finns till vänster efter korsningen? 5. Fortsätt rakt fram tills du ser ett stort torg på vänster sida. Vad kan du göra på torget?
Exercise 2[edit | edit source]
Imagine you are in a foreign city and you need to ask for directions. Write down the questions you would ask in Swedish. Be sure to include the vocabulary and phrases we have learned in this lesson.
Exercise 3[edit | edit source]
Now, imagine you are a local in the same city and someone asks you for directions. Write down your responses in Swedish, using the vocabulary and phrases we have learned.
Solutions[edit | edit source]
Exercise 1[edit | edit source]
1. You are now at the intersection. 2. There is a playground in the park. 3. You are now at the bus stop. 4. There is a grocery store to the left after the intersection. 5. You can visit the market on the square.
Exercise 2[edit | edit source]
1. Ursäkta, kan du säga mig var tågstationen är? 2. Hur kommer jag till stadshuset? 3. Var ligger närmaste tunnelbanestation? 4. Kan du hjälpa mig att hitta vägen till parken? 5. Är det långt härifrån till hotellet?
Exercise 3[edit | edit source]
1. Gå rakt fram och sväng sedan till höger. Tågstationen ligger på din vänster. 2. Stadshuset är bara några minuters gångavstånd härifrån. Gå rakt fram tills du ser det stora torget. 3. Närmaste tunnelbanestation är vid korsningen. Gå rakt fram tills du ser trafikljuset. 4. För att hitta parken, gå förbi biblioteket och sväng sedan vänster vid korsningen. 5. Hotellet är inte långt härifrån. Gå rakt fram tills du ser det stora hotellet på höger sida.
Congratulations! You have completed the exercises and learned how to ask for and give directions in Swedish. Keep practicing and soon you will feel confident navigating the streets of Sweden!
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Essential Vocabulary for Directions in Swedish
- How to ask for directions in Swedish | Swedish Language Blog
- Swedish lessons: Directions
- 50languages English UK - Swedish for beginners | Asking for ...
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
| ◀️ Booking a trip — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Vikings and Middle Ages ▶️ |