Learn Swedish with Katrin
Join Katrin and dive into the absolute basics of the Swedish language! If you're into stiff teaching, heavy on the grammar, and outdated language and examples, this podcast is not for you. Katrin offers a fun, relaxed way of learning modern Swedish, the way Swedes actually speak. To access study materials, such as transcripts, vocabulary lists, and exercises, join Katrin on Patreon for only $10 per month.
Episodes
66. How to Tell a Story
Being able to talk about something that has happened in the past and explain it clearly is a great skill to have. It’s easy to feel stuck when you don’t know how to weave things together and express what happened, when, with whom, why, and how it felt. Sometimes, you even get stuck when trying to START the story!Let’s fix that today.If you want to start speaking Swedish, join us on Discord by sign
65. Comparing Things
Knowing how to relate things to each other and compare things is super important in order to feel comfortable speaking Swedish. We use these kinds of words more often than you might think!If you want to start speaking Swedish, join us on Discord by signing up for Speak Swedish with Katrin on Patreon. This is the perfect setting to start producing Swedish sentences out loud!Your Learn Swedish (and
64. Guess the Movie!
This week, we are going to play a little game to learn some new vocabulary and challenge your Swedish comprehension. Du ska gissa vilken film jag beskriver. You are going to guess what movie I’m describing… in Swedish!I will be describing different movies that I think a lot of people have seen. If you haven’t seen the movie, it’ll of course be difficult. But you can still learn some new words alon
63. Nej, inte, ingen, inget, inga, aldrig
A few weeks ago we talked about “inte” and where to place it in a sentence. Today we’re talking about all the different ways to say no, not, nothing, and never in Swedish.If you want to start speaking Swedish, join us on Discord by signing up for Speak Swedish with Katrin on Patreon. This is the perfect setting to start producing Swedish sentences out loud!Your Learn Swedish (and Slow Swedish) sub
62. Complaining and Struggles
Today we’re going to do something very important. Vi ska klaga. We’re going to complain… in Swedish.Not in a dramatic way, but the kind of complaining you hear all the time. Every day. When something is annoying, when you’re tired, when things don’t work the way they should. This is extremely useful, because this is how people actually talk in real life. And honestly, how a lot of people connect a
61. Swedish Politeness and Soft No's
This week, we’re diving into a cultural phenomenon that confuses and frustrates some people from other parts of the world. At least when it comes time to interact with Swedes and perhaps try to make plans with them.We are talking about Swedish politeness and what we call “soft no’s”.You might have heard people say that Swedes are hard to read, unclear, or even a bit fake. That we don’t say what we
60. Can You Keep Up? [QUIZ 3]
We have arrived at our third quiz week! So in this week’s podcast episode, I will speak in Swedish, using vocabulary you have learned these past 20 weeks.I have made this week’s Patreon content free for all of you to download, so even if you’re not a member yet, you can quiz yourself and see how much you know!Quiz yourself:https://www.patreon.com/slowswedishBrowse all episodes here: https://slowsw
59. How to Keep a Conversation Going in Swedish
Silence is normal when practicing your new language. Because you won't be able to think of all the words you know at lightning speed!The good news is that you do not need advanced Swedish to keep a conversation alive! You just need a few simple tools, and once you have them, everything becomes easier and more natural.So today we are going to focus on exactly that. How to keep a conversation g
58. Swedish Sounds and Reactions
This week, I want to share with you some sounds that Swedes make during a conversation. It’s so interesting that different languages have different sounds… I mean, it’s kind of obvious, why would we have the same sounds across languages?But it’s something you don’t really think about until you hear someone use sounds that don’t quite fit the language they’re speaking.If you want to start speaking
57. Words That Make You Sound More Swedish
Today, you’ll learn how to sound more Swedish! This topic is honestly a bit hard to explain sometimes… but once you hear it, you start noticing it everywhere. And more importantly, once you start using it, your Swedish suddenly sounds a lot more natural.If you want to start speaking Swedish, join us on Discord by signing up for Speak Swedish with Katrin on Patreon. This is the perfect setting to s
56. Mig, dig, oss, henne, dem!
Today we’re going to talk about something very simple. I’m pretty sure all your native languages have these words as well. You just have to learn them in Swedish!We are going to dive into object pronouns. Words like mig, dig, honom, henne.If you want to start speaking Swedish, join us on Discord by signing up for Speak Swedish with Katrin on Patreon. This is the perfect setting to start producing
55. Modal Verbs (Can, Will, Should, Must)
This week, you will learn something that will make your Swedish a bit more flexible!Modal verbs are small verbs that work together with another verb to change the meaning of the sentence. With just a few of them, you suddenly gain the ability to talk about abilities, plans, obligations, and intentions.If you want to start speaking Swedish, join us on Discord by signing up for Speak Swedish with Ka
54. A Short Story
Today, you will listen to a little short story in Swedish. The story is called En borttappad plånbok, which means A lost wallet.It is a simple story about losing something important, looking for it, and then hopefully finding it again. The language is not too difficult, but it might include a few new words.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list (cheat sheet), and exercises on Patreon.htt
53. Preteritum (hade) vs. Perfekt (har haft)
Today we’re stepping into something that feels small in theory… but can quietly cause a lot of doubt when you speak.Preteritum vs. Perfekt, which to pick? When? Why?If you want to start speaking Swedish, join us on Discord by signing up for Speak Swedish with Katrin on Patreon. This is the perfect setting to start producing Swedish sentences out loud!Your Learn Swedish (and Slow Swedish) subscript
52. Where to Place "Inte"
Last week, we talked about forming longer sentences in Swedish. We dipped our toe in "inte" and its placements. This week, we are diving deeper and learning exactly where inte goes and when!If you want to start speaking Swedish, join us on Discord by signing up for Speak Swedish with Katrin on Patreon. This is the perfect setting to start producing Swedish sentences out loud!Your Learn S
51. How to Form Longer Sentences
Today, we’re going to talk about långa meningar, long sentences in Swedish. Or perhaps not LOOONG long, but longer than we have been working on so far.We will, of course, revisit this topic many times, but this is your first introduction to our main and subordinate clauses.Here is a shortcut to episode 10 if you want to review it: https://slowswedish.com/2025/03/10/10-the-rule-everyone-ignores/You
50. I Answer Your Questions (Slow Swedish Crossover)
This week, we are mixing it up a little. You guys asked me some questions about Sweden, Swedish, and my life and I will be answering them.First, you’ll get my answers in English here on Learn Swedish. Then you’ll get the same Q&A in easy Swedish, slow Swedish and normal, fast Swedish over at Slow Swedish in the coming week.This is the perfect opportunity to see how much of my easy and slow Swe
49. When: I, om, för ... sen?
Idag ska vi prata om tid. Today, we are going to talk about time. And not time in a deep, philosophical way. And not what time it is. More like… very practical, everyday time perspectives that still manage to confuse almost everyone.If you do something for five minutes, that’s similar to för in Swedish. If you are doing something in 3 weeks, that’s similar to i tre veckor in Swedish. But the corre
48. To Think: Tror, tycker, tänker
Idag ska vi prata om tre små ord som skapar mycket förvirring. Three tiny words. Huge confusion.We are talking about tror, tycker and tänker.So, the annoying thing is this: None of these words are difficult on their own. But when it is time to choose one yourself, your brain freezes.Let's fix that today!You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.pat
47. Ska vs. Kommer att
Both ska and kommer att are used to talk about the future. So if you use one when the other one would be more natural, people will still understand you.But! Using them incorrectly will throw off the vibe and meaning of what you're saying. It might sound like you're doing something intentionally, on purpose, when you're actually just observing what is going on.Let's dive in.You
46. Learn Swedish from Social Media Posts
As you guys know, I think it’s equally important to learn formal language and casual slang language. Because if you only learn the formal stuff, social media and interacting with real human beings is going to be so challenging.In this week's episode, I’ve picked a few completely random posts from Facebook and Instagram. We’ll take them one by one, talk about what they mean, go through key wor
45. How to Roll Your R's
Today we’re going to work on something that feels almost mythical for many learners of Swedish. The rolling R.For some people, this sound just happens. You might even have rolling R’s in your native language. For others, it feels completely impossible. Regardless, this episode is an introduction!You can download the transcript, vocabulary list (cheat sheet), and exercises on Patreon.https://www.pa
44. Swedish in the Wild: Doctor's Appointment
Today’s topic is something that can feel stressful, uncomfortable, and very vulnerable, especially in another language. We’re talking about going to the doctor.We’ll go through common phrases you might hear, things you might want to say, and how a doctor’s appointment in Sweden often sounds in real life.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.patreon.
Info: Taking a break ❤️🩹
Hello my favorite students! I hope you’re doing well today.As some of you might know, I have been struggling with a wrist injury for a year now and it has not been getting better. I have tried and tried and tried to rest while still posting episodes each week. A combo that has not been ideal.Now that I have more or less confirmed with my doctor that nothing is broken, it’s just inflamed due to ove
43. Position Verbs 101
Today, we’re going to talk about something that every Swedish learner needs to understand: position and placement verbs.These position and placement verbs describe not just where something is, but how it’s there. Swedish doesn’t just say the book is on the table. We want to say whether the book is lying, standing, sitting, or hanging.The video I made with my mom:https://www.instagram.com/p/CuO18vc
42. A Short Story
Today, you will listen to a little short story in Swedish. The story is called En höstdag i stugan, which means An autumn day in the cabin.It is a calm story about being in nature, enjoying the quiet, and thinking about someone you have lost. The language is not too difficult, but it might include a few new words.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list (cheat sheet), and exercises on Patr
41. How Nouns Change
Today’s episode is about nouns. More specifically, how Swedish nouns change depending on how you use them.This is something that confuses a lot of learners, because in English you usually just say "cat" or "the cat". It is the same form. But in Swedish, the word changes a little bit.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list (cheat sheet), and exercises on Patreon.https:/
40. Can You Keep Up? [QUIZ 2]
We have arrived at our second quiz week! So in this week’s podcast episode, I will speak in Swedish, using vocabulary you have learned these past 20 weeks.I have made this week’s Patreon content free for all of you to download, so even if you’re not a member yet, you can quiz yourself and see how much you know!Quiz yourself:https://www.patreon.com/slowswedishBrowse all episodes here: https://slows
39. Days, Dates, and Months
Today we are going to talk about something super practical: how to say days, dates, and months in Swedish. You need these words all the time: to talk about birthdays, meetings, holidays, or just what you are doing this week.And I know… it can sound a little boring to just memorize a list of days and months. But trust me, once you know these, you will use them all the time.You can download the tran
38. Swedish Story: Cozy Fall Vocabulary
Fall is officially here and I think it’s about time you learn some fall vocabulary. But instead of just going through new words, I thought I’d challenge you a little extra.Welcome to your very first Swedish Story episode! Yep, you heard me. Today, you are getting a short story in Swedish, packed with must-know fall vocabulary.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patre
37. Long and Short Vowels Part 2
This week, we’re continuing the pronunciation theme from last week. This episode is about something that might sound a little boring at first… but I promise it’s super important if you want to sound natural in Swedish. We’re going to talk about the Swedish alphabet and especially about long and short vowels.Long and short vowels can completely change the meaning of a word. Two words might look ver
36. How to Pronounce R-Combinations in Swedish
This week’s episode is a masterclass in pronunciation! And it’s one of my favorite topics to teach. We are going to dive into the unique R-combinations in the Swedish language!When the letter R comes before certain consonants, the sound changes completely (in most parts of the country). These are called retroflex sounds.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.htt
35. Swedish Traditions
This week's episode is about Swedish traditions and holidays. And don’t worry… this is NOT going to be a dry lecture where I list dates and food. I can’t imagine anything more boring.Instead, I’ll give you the Swedish words and phrases you need to talk about traditions. You’ll learn how to say if you celebrate them, if you don’t, and how to compare them to traditions in your own country. And
34. In the Wild: Meeting a New Person
Whatever the situation, meeting someone new is a perfect opportunity to practice your Swedish. But if you don’t feel comfortable using the standard small-talk phrases, it can feel awkward and not very flowey, right?In this episode, we’ll talk about how to introduce yourself, how to ask about the other person, and how to keep the conversation going, in a way that doesn’t sound like school-book Swed
33. How Was Your Childhood?
In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about something very personal: your childhood. We’ll go through how to talk about your memories, what you liked and didn’t like as a kid, your family, your hobbies, and where you grew up, all in Swedish.We’ll also take a look at the past tense, so you can describe what life was like back then.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on
32. Gossiping in Swedish
Welcome to the final summer episode of the year! ☀️ This summer we are diving into some less traditional topics on the podcast. Last up: How to gossip in Swedish.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/slowswedish/membershipBrowse all episodes here: https://slowswedish.com/Happy learning! 💛
31. Chatting in Swedish
Welcome to the third summer episode of the year! ☀️ This summer we are diving into some less traditional topics on the podcast. Next up: How to chat and text in Swedish.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/slowswedish/membershipBrowse all episodes here: https://slowswedish.com/Happy learning! 💛
30. Swearing in Swedish
Welcome to the second summer episode of the year! ☀️ This summer we are diving into some less traditional topics on the podcast. Next up: How to swear in Swedish.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/slowswedish/membership100 Swedish Curse Words and How to Use Them:https://www.patreon.com/posts/100-svenska-och-128265017?source=storefront
29. Flirting in Swedish
Welcome to the first summer episode of the year! ☀️ This summer we are diving into some less traditional topics on the podcast. First up: How to flirt in Swedish.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/slowswedish/membershipBrowse all episodes here: https://slowswedish.com/Happy learning! 💛
28. School and Subjects
Today we’re diving into a topic that almost everyone has something to say about, school. Whether you loved school or hated it, you probably spent a big part of your life there.So in this episode, we’ll go through how to talk about school, studying, subjects, homework, grades, and classroom situations in Swedish.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.
27. Your Wardrobe
Today’s episode is all about clothing, your wardrobe, how to talk about what you’re wearing, and all the fun vocabulary around shopping, style, fabrics, and describing clothes in Swedish.You’ll also get some useful phrases to express your taste, describe other people’s outfits, and even complain about uncomfortable pants.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.ht
26. Unique Swedish Words
If you’ve ever felt like you almost understand a Swedish word but can’t quite find an English equivalent, this episode is for you.This week, we’re going to explore some uniquely Swedish words that are difficult to translate directly into English. These words often capture feelings, states of mind, or ways of being that don’t quite exist in the same way in other languages.You can download the trans
25. Animals and Pets
Today we’re talking about animals, nature, and pets. And as a little grammar bonus, I’ll introduce you to how we talk about things that happened in the past tense in Swedish.This is known as imperfekt or preteritum, I went, I ate, we swam, we flew. You know what I’m talking about.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/slowswedish/membersh
24. Sports and Workouts
Today’s topic is working out… or sports I guess! You’ll learn useful words and phrases to talk about moving your body (or not), different types of workouts, and how you feel afterwards.And we’ll also go through an important grammar rule: how to place the word inte in a sentence. That little word is sneaky!You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.patreo
23. Journaling in Swedish
There are many ways of studying Swedish on your own. And studies show that a varied approach is often the best. You want to listen, read, write, speak, study vocabulary, teach others, use multiple senses, and most importantly: use retrieval practice.Today’s episode is going to focus on creating a journaling practice in Swedish. A way for you to write in Swedish regularly, perhaps daily or a few ti
22. How to Describe Things in Swedish
The first weeks of the podcast we talked about En and Ett, and the fact that adjectives change depending on the noun’s gender.This week, we are going to repeat some of the adjective you learned in those early episodes, and learn some new ones.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/slowswedish/membershipBrowse all episodes here: https://sl
21. Swedish in the Wild: Asking for Directions
In this week's episode of Swedish in the Wild, we’re outside. Out and about. You’re in a new city or a new part of town and you need to figure out how to get somewhere!You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/slowswedish/membershipBrowse all episodes here: https://slowswedish.com/Happy learning! 💛
20. Can You Keep Up? [QUIZ 1]
Hej alla!It's finally time for a little quiz to see how far you've come in the first 20 weeks of this podcast. I'm sure you will be able to keep up just fine.To test your Swedish skills, download and complete the Quiz document while listening to the episode. Then correct your quiz using the Key document.Thank you for listening to these 20 weeks! Time for the next 20.The resources an
19. How Are You Feeling?
Hur mår du idag? How are you today? That is a question you will learn to both ask and answer in this week’s episode. We are going to cover the most common feelings, both when it comes to emotions and health.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/slowswedish/membershipBrowse all episodes here: https://slowswedish.com/Happy learning! 💛
18. Food and Beverages
I hope you’re not hungry while listening to this, because today we are talking about food, food, food, and more food. And some drinks as well. Mat och dryck!I’m not going to lie, I’m pretty hungry right now. So we’ll see how this goes...You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/slowswedish/membershipBrowse all episodes here: https://slowswed
17. Swedish Idiomatic Expressions
When learning a new language, idiomatic expressions can be equally fun and confusing. What in the world do they mean??I love idiomatic expressions, but I'm not a huge fan of teaching them just for the shock factor or "lolz". So this week, I will only be teaching you expressions that are commonly used in Sweden in 2025. No old-timey stuff that sounds funny but not a single person eve
16. Welcome to My Crib! (In Swedish)
Welcome to my crib, dear listeners! This week, you will learn new vocabulary about homes, rooms, and furniture. I will take you through my house and describe what the rooms look like.I would love to hear you describe a room in your home as well. Feel free to share in the comments on Patreon!You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/slowswedi
15. Where? An Introduction to Swedish Prepositions
Prepositions can be tricky when learning a new language. Most of them have equivalents, but they aren’t necessarily used in the same way in everyday life.In this week’s episode we are going to talk about positions. Where something is at in relation to something else!You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/slowswedish/membershipBrowse all e
14. Common Swedish Verbs
When learning a new language, mastering verbs is one of the most crucial steps. Verbs are the backbone of communication, allowing us to express actions, emotions, and intentions. Without a solid grasp of verbs, constructing sentences becomes difficult, and conversations can feel limiting.So this week, I want to introduce you to 15 of our most common verbs in Swedish. In future episodes, we'll
13. What Time Is It?
Telling time can be a little tricky in a new language. Especially when it differs from your native language. This week, you will learn how to tell time in Swedish. You'll notice that there are multiple ways of saying what time it is since we both use 12- and 24-hour clocks.But that just means your chances of getting it right increases, right? ;)You can download the transcript, vocabulary list
12. Swedish In the Wild: Grocery Store
This week, we're bringing back Swedish in the wild as we visit a Swedish grocery store. I will help you navigate traditional shopping, deli counters, self-scanning, check-outs, and unexpected situations that might pop up.Have you ever had a tricky situation at a grocery store in Sweden? Share in the comments on Patreon.You can also download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Pa
11. "Swedes Are So Comfortable Being *****!"
This week, we have our very first guest on the podcast! I'm talking to Martha Moore who moved to Sweden with her family from the US five years ago.We talk about stereotypes, culture, Swedish habits, learning Swedish and so much more.You can find Martha on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/primaryparadise/Join us on Patreon to access all episode materials:https://www.patreon.com/slowsw
10. The Rule Everyone Ignores
I have been receiving a lot of similar questions on Patreon in the past 1-2 weeks, so that confirms that you guys are ready for today’s lesson!The topic we are going to discuss today is inverted word order. This is also sometimes called the “V2-rule”. And it’s not at all as complicated or intimidating as it might sound. It’s just a tiny change in word order, activated by a very specific kind of wo
9. Swedish Pronunciation: The Vowels
This week, we’re going to dive into one of the trickiest parts of Swedish pronunciation: the vowels. They are especially tricky because each vowel has multiple pronunciations depending on the surrounding letters... and they're all split into two categories that interact differently with other letter combinations as well.Yeah, it sounds like a lot. But we'll take it one step at a time.You
8. Swedish in the Wild: Restaurant
Welcome to the first episode of our new series "Swedish in the Wild". In these episodes, I’ll take you out into the real world and teach you useful phrases and information for different situations.We’ll visit different places and go through all the phrases and expressions you need to navigate them like a true Swede. And today, we’re going out to eat!You can download the transcript, vocab
7. Weather & Seasons: Swedes' Favorite Topic
If you live in Sweden or ever plan on visiting Sweden, this topic is crucial! It will get you through every small talk situation with another Swede. I promise.In this week's episode, you will learn how to describe different seasons. We will go through the nouns, adjectives, and verbs for the most common weather types.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.h
6. Asking Questions
Now that you know a handful of nouns and verbs, I think you are ready to learn about questions in Swedish!In this week's episode, you will learn how to ask closed and open-ended questions, using the vocabulary from the previous weeks.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/slowswedish/membershipHappy learning! 💛
5. Your Daily Routine
This week, we are going to start speaking Swedish again after two weeks of En and Ett. We are going to talk about daily activities and routines!You will learn numbers (to tell time), many verbs, and some useful nouns (spoiler alert, only one Ett-word this week!).You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/slowswedish/membershipHappy learning!
4. En/Ett 101: Ett-Words
Welcome to part two of the En/Ett 101 series. This week, we will get to know the cooky cousin, the exception, the spiky noun gender: Ett!Remember, Ett-nouns make up about 20% of the Swedish language... so when in doubt, always go with En hehe.You can download the transcript, vocabulary list, and exercises for this week's episode on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/slowswedishDon't forg
3. En/Ett 101: En-Words
Most people who learn Swedish are intimidated by En and Ett. En and Ett are the Swedish noun genders that completely lack logic and reason. And sure, you will have to learn them word by word, and yeah they do affect the language a lot...But! My mission is to dedramatize this part of the Swedish language. And I will be teaching it slightly differently than many other resources. Fingers crossed it h
2. All About Your Family
Hej! This week, you will learn how to talk about your family in Swedish. What did your family of origin look like? What does your immediate family look like now? Do you have or want kids? Pets? Or no?Get ready for a vocabulary packet episode with loads of useful rules to bring along on your Swedish learning journey. And remember, just do your best! If you don't understand everything the first
1. Introduce Yourself in Swedish
Hej! Welcome to my brand new podcast, Learn Swedish with Katrin! I'm so excited to branch out and start offering content for absolute beginners. I hope you are ready to learn Swedish in 2025. 🎉All the resources (transcript, vocabulary, and exercises) for this episode are available for free on Patreon. So download them and study up to master your introduction in Swedish!https://www.patreon.com
