SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

The Many Dialects Of Sweden

Sweden is a long and narrow country, stretching over 1,600 kilometers from north to south, so it is no surprise that its dialects vary significantly.[1]

» Updated: 01 October 2024, 09:27

» Published: 11 September 2024

The Many Dialects Of Sweden
Photo: Envato

It is impossible to determine the exact number of dialects spoken in Sweden, but linguists have categorized them into six distinct regions:

  1. Sydsvenska mål: Spoken in the southernmost region, including Skåne, Blekinge, and parts of Halland and Småland, this dialect is known for its prominent "r" sounds. A unique word in this dialect is hutta (meaning "to throw"). [2]
  2. Götamål: Found in southwestern Sweden, Götamål shares some similarities with Norwegian and Danish. A notable word in this dialect is rotabagge (similar to the English "rutabaga"). [3]
  3. Sveamål: Spoken in the Svealand region, this dialect is known for its silent "t" and sometimes "h" sounds. A distinctive word in Sveamål is åcken (meaning "which"). [4]
  4. Gotländska mål: This dialect is native to the islands of Gotland and Fårö. Today, there is also a distinction made between gutamål and gotländska when referring to the dialects spoken on the islands. A specific word to this dialect is bodi (meaning "the store"). [5]
  5. Norrländska mål: Spoken throughout Norrland, except for the southernmost and northernmost parts, this dialect encompasses many individual variations. A notable word in Norrländska mål is gitt (meaning "have to" or "must"). [6]
  6. Östsvenska mål: Unique among the Swedish dialects, Östsvenska mål is spoken not only in Sweden but also in parts of Finland and Estonia. A distinctive term in this dialect is franskisar (meaning "French fries"). [7]
Saga V. BohinenS
By Saga V. BohinenFeature Writer & Columnist

More news

Good jobs with good pay that don't require long education

Good jobs with good pay that don't require long education

Why Are Swedish Houses Red?

Why Are Swedish Houses Red?

Black Friday & Week - How Do You Find The Best Deals

Black Friday & Week - How Do You Find The Best Deals

What is Swedish Filmjölk?

What is Swedish Filmjölk?

7 Difficult Swedish Idioms And Expressions

7 Difficult Swedish Idioms And Expressions

How To Survive Swedish Winter - 4 Tips From A Swedish Expert

How To Survive Swedish Winter - 4 Tips From A Swedish Expert

Importance of Generation Z in Sweden and Globally

Importance of Generation Z in Sweden and Globally

What tax rules apply to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in Sweden?

What tax rules apply to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in Sweden?

Julkalendern - The Yearly Swedish Christmas TV Show

Julkalendern - The Yearly Swedish Christmas TV Show

What to do if your bicycle is stolen in Sweden

What to do if your bicycle is stolen in Sweden

AI Music Tops the Viral 50 Chart in Sweden

AI Music Tops the Viral 50 Chart in Sweden

Young people and energy drink consumption in Sweden

Young people and energy drink consumption in Sweden

Have you eaten at Sweden's best hamburger restaurant?

Have you eaten at Sweden's best hamburger restaurant?

Sweden to America - The Great Emigration of the 19th Century

Sweden to America - The Great Emigration of the 19th Century

Major Banks Lower Mortgage Rates Following The Swedish Central Bank's Decision

Major Banks Lower Mortgage Rates Following The Swedish Central Bank's Decision

The Most Popular Cat Breeds In Sweden

The Most Popular Cat Breeds In Sweden

Korean Food Coming To Sweden

Korean Food Coming To Sweden

Prominent Swedes comment on Trump's victory in the US election

Prominent Swedes comment on Trump's victory in the US election

Start Your Classic Swedish Christmas Decorations

Start Your Classic Swedish Christmas Decorations

Why the U.S. Election Matters for Sweden

Why the U.S. Election Matters for Sweden