I spent a semester in Sweden during my high school years. During this time, I spent half of the day going to a course to learn Swedish, and the other half was at my school, attending the regular Swedish high school classes.
In Sweden, most of the population can speak fluent English. But even if they can speak English, the Swedish government supports many courses that offer immigrants and professionals who will live and work in Sweden the chance to learn Swedish. The Swedish government supports these courses because they believe learning Swedish will help individuals integrate into Swedish society.
Table of Contents
- Swedes and The English Language
- Sweden Believes In Teaching The Swedish Language
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Questions
Swedes and The English Language
Sweden is one of the best countries in the world that speaks English as a second language. This was not always true, but Sweden has had mandatory English classes n its schools for many years.
Also, many British and American television shows are shown on Swedish TV in English.
When I am with my Swedish friends, we will speak English. The reason is that their English is much better than my Swedish. Many are so fluent that they don’t even have a Swedish accent. This, of course, is amazing for people who have never really lived outside of Sweden but yet can speak English so well.
It is estimated that almost 90% of all Swedes speak English fluently. This is exceptionally high for any country in the world. As the younger generation masters English, this number will continue to rise.
In practical numbers, if you are a tourist in Sweden, for every ten people you stop on the street in Sweden, 8 or 9 will be able to speak to you fluently in English. The other 1 or 2 you stop may not be fluent but probably know a bit of English.
Not everyone in Sweden can speak English. In particular, some of the older people. In Sweden, most Swedes under 60 speak excellent English, but you may find that anyone over 60 struggles with the English language.
English is so widely spoken in Sweden that you could live in Sweden and not know any Swedish. You could get around, do your shopping, meet friends who speak English, and have an active social life without speaking fluent Swedish.
Speaking Swedish Is a Full Integration Into Sweden
If you have a plan to live in Sweden, you should learn Swedish. The reason is that you will never be fully integrated into Swedish society without knowing Swedish.
Many Swedes will speak fluent English, so the minute they see you struggle in Swedish, they will immediately switch from Swedish to English. Any foreigner who wants to learn Swedish must work hard to practice the Swedish language.
Learning Swedish is essential as you may find that you will have difficulty contacting some of the authorities or dealing with legal paperwork as it is done in Swedish. An example of this, of course, would be the tax agency and even the police.
So if you plan to live in Sweden permanently and make Sweden your home, to be fully integrated into Swedish society, you will need to speak Swedish; even though many Swedish speak excellent English, they also understand it is essential to be fully integrated to learn Swedish.
It is good to speak the country language you call home, especially if you permanently immigrate there. Also, in everyday life in Sweden, you might find elderly neighbors, bus drivers, taxi drivers, and others who do not speak English or do not want to speak English. Knowing Swedish would help you in those situations.
Sweden Believes In Teaching The Swedish Language
Sweden believes so much in foreigners learning the Swedish language that there are courses offered all over Sweden to learn Swedish. They believe you must learn and understand their language to integrate fully into Swedish society.
You can find courses offered throughout Sweden. They have courses for immigrants, SFI, and Swedish for Professionals (Yrkessvenska).
The courses have trained and knowledgeable teachers in teaching Swedish as a 2nd language to immigrants and foreigners. The Swedish for Immigrants course has three fundamental parts: studying Swedish from beginner to more advanced courses.
Sweden is so dedicated to helping people who migrate, live, and work in Sweden that they offer Swedish language instruction in English, Spanish, Turkish, Somali, Persian, and Arabic. So people who speak these languages can learn Swedish in their native tongue.
These SFI or Swedish language courses are designed for people already living in Sweden. To sign up for the course, you must have the right to live and work in Sweden, which means you are legally registered with the tax authorities.
Anyone over 16 years old with a Swedish Identity number (or registered with the tax authorities) can study Swedish free through one of Sweden’s many SFI or Swedish language programs.
As a large percentage of the Swedish population speaks fluent English, you can live and work in Sweden without speaking Swedish. But, to fully integrate into Swedish society, it would be good for you to take advantage of the programs offered within Sweden and learn the Swedish language.
Not only will your Swedish friends be pleased that you can speak Swedish, but it will also help make your experience in Sweden richer than it would have been without the Swedish language.
Listen To Our Podcast About Lost in Translation: Living in Sweden Without Speaking Swedish Below or By clicking here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Sweden?
The capital of Sweden is Stockholm.
How do I apply for a residence permit in Sweden?
You can apply for a residence permit through the Swedish Migration Agency’s website or by visiting a Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country.
Is Sweden a member of the European Union?
Yes, Sweden is a member of the European Union (EU).
What is the official language of Sweden?
The official language of Sweden is Swedish.
Is it necessary to learn Swedish to live in Sweden?
While many Swedes can speak fluent English, learning Swedish is beneficial for integration into Swedish society. The Swedish government supports language courses for immigrants and professionals.
How is the healthcare system in Sweden?
Sweden has a universal healthcare system that provides high-quality medical care to its residents. It is funded through taxes and offers comprehensive coverage.
What is the cost of living in Sweden?
The cost of living in Sweden can vary depending on the region. Generally, it is considered to be higher than the European average, particularly in major cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg.
Are there many employment opportunities in Sweden?
Sweden has a strong job market, especially in sectors such as technology, engineering, healthcare, and research. However, the job market can be competitive, and proficiency in Swedish may be required for certain positions.
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