So, you’re going to Sweden! And you’ve decided that learning Swedish is on the top of your to-do list.
Is it difficult to learn Swedish? Unfortunately, Swedish does not have a reputation for being easy. What’s more, the high English proficiency among Swedes usually makes them less inclined to practice with you. This naturally affects how long it takes to learn Swedish. You’ll have to insist that they don’t switch to English when talking with you.
Have no fear, however, learning Swedish is far from impossible. We’ll give you our tips on how and where to learn Swedish, so you can chat with your new Swedish friends in no time.
1. Find your motivation: Why study Swedish?
Before you start learning Swedish, it can be motivating to figure out why you want to learn the language. There are many reasons to learn Swedish, but one of the main reasons is that it’s instrumental to fully integrate into Swedish society.
Since Swedes speak English well, some people who move to Sweden don’t see the point of learning the language. The truth is that the Swedish language is an integral part of Sweden’s culture and mindset. And if you really want to understand the Swedish mentality and feel at home in Sweden, you can’t ignore the language.
Another reason to learn Swedish is that it will vastly improve your chances of finding work in Sweden. It is true that it is possible to find work in Sweden without speaking Swedish but the harsh reality is that it is much tougher to beat the competition if you don’t know the language.
2. Pick an online tool to learn Swedish
It can feel overwhelming to know where to start learning Swedish, but the important thing is to start somewhere. No matter where you are or how busy you are, you probably have time to start your Swedish learning journey online.
There are numerous tools to learn Swedish free online, and naturally, there are also many tools that you have to pay for.
Here are some websites and apps to learn Swedish that you should look up:
SwedishPod101.com is a website with short audio/video lessons, vocabulary lists, and flashcards. You have the option of learning 1-on-1 with a Premium PLUS subscription.
Prices: Free or 8–47 USD/month
Babel is a website with quick lessons online and a variety of exercises.
Prices: 6,95–12,95 USD/month
Italki is a website where you can work with a tutor 1-on-1.
Prices: From 4 USD/hour. Average of 10 USD/hour
Learning Swedish is an app created by the Swedish Institute and partners. It has videos, exercises, flashcards, and tests.
Prices: Free for the basic course, teacher-led courses start at 350 USD.
Duolingo is a well-used language app with a variety of exercises which get progressively harder.
Prices: Free or 6,99 USD/month for Duolingo Plus
Consider how you like to learn and choose an online tool accordingly. Think about whether you prioritize having access to a teacher to ask questions, and how interactive you want the exercises to be. Don’t be afraid to test a few different alternatives before committing to one online language-learning tool.
3. Try SFI (Swedish for Immigrants)—for free!
Let’s say you’re already in Sweden, and you want to know: Where can I learn Swedish for free?
Well, if you already have a personnummer (personal Swedish ID number), you might want to check out SFI. SFI stands for Svenska för invandrare (Swedish for immigrants), and it is a free Swedish learning program for adult immigrants.
This beginner course will help you communicate orally and in writing and give you basic knowledge of the Swedish language and society. You can apply by contacting your city’s adult education department or a private SFI provider in your municipality.
The quality of teaching can vary greatly between SFI schools, which has led to varied reviews. But hey, it’s free access to a Swedish teacher to answer your questions and classmates to practice Swedish with. We’d say it’s worth a shot!
Start learning
The next step is simply to start learning Swedish. Download that app or apply for that course!
Read the e-book “I’m moving to Sweden! Everything you need for your new Swedish life” for more tips on acclimatizing to life in Sweden and integrating into Swedish society. This handy guide is your trusty companion to realizing your dream of relocating to Sweden.