Personally, I have tried several platforms to improve my Swedish and join the local culture. Here are my 7 Perfect Ways How I Learn Swedish.
Introduction
My partner and I decided to fly to Sweden and have been living here for a few months now. It has been an amazing journey for us and opened a new journal. Although English is widely spoken in Sweden, learning Swedish is highly recommended to help us blend in with Swedish society. However, you may be wondering about the most effective way to learn this language. Here are 7 secrets of how I learn my Swedish:
Languages Apps
I’d highly recommend Duolingo as a great place to start for anyone learning Swedish. It’s been really helpful for me and makes learning the language fun and interactive. The lessons are engaging and keep you motivated.
One of the things I find most interesting about Duolingo is that it covers a lot of vocabulary, which has helped my writing a lot. They also offer a wide variety of topics, so you can build a strong foundation in everyday Swedish. Another great thing about it is that it combines the four language exercises of speaking, listening, reading and writing, all in one convenient place. But sometimes in the speaking session there are some mistakes, especially when we try to speak.
However, it is important to note that although Duolingo is an amazing tool, relying on it alone may limit my progress at the beginner level (A1 or A2). To achieve my desired fluency, I combine Duolingo with other resources.
Joining SFI Course
As I said before, we need to combine it with other sources. SFI, or Swedish for Immigrants, is a great way to learn Swedish and integrate into the local community. Many newcomers find SFI to be an invaluable resource. Some of their opinions on Reddit and other platforms are also quite positive.
The main reason is that studying at SFI allows you to meet a lot of people and learn from professional teachers, and it’s all free. On top of that, you can get your writing reviewed and practice speaking with our classmates.
However, the pace of SFI classes may vary depending on your school and classmates. In my case, I had the same topic for the whole month, so I felt that the content could have been more dynamic. Also, if I only focus on SFI, I don’t think my language skills will improve significantly. One of my SFI teachers also told me that SFI only supports 20% of Swedish, so we need to practice at home.
The best way to learn Swedish depends on your needs and learning style. SFI can be a great starting point, but for some people, this may not be enough. If you want a more customized or fast-paced learning experience, exploring additional resources can be very beneficial.
Read the News to Learn Swedish
Staying informed is the best way to increase your understanding of the world around you and reading the news is a great way to achieve this.
To be honest, I don’t like reading too much, but I’m trying to get into the habit of reading news articles in Swedish as I find it helps me improve my language skills and stay informed about what’s happening in Sweden.
If you’re also having trouble reading Swedish news articles at the moment, don’t worry – you’re not the only one! However, there are plenty of resources out there to help you on your learning journey. One of my top picks is 8sidor.se. This website’s news is designed to be beginner-friendly, using straightforward language that makes it easier to grasp the news.
But remember, everyone learns at their own pace and in their own way. The most important thing is to find an approach that keeps you engaged and motivated. Keep up the good work! With a little dedication and practice, you’ll be reading Swedish news articles with confidence in no time.
Listen to Podcasts and Music
If you’re looking for a more engaging way to learn Swedish, why not try combining it with music and podcasts? This has been one of the most effective ways I’ve found to improve my Swedish.
Podcasts provide exposure to a variety of topics and conversations in Swedish, which allows you to learn new vocabulary that matches your interests while experiencing the natural flow and rhythm of spoken Swedish. In addition, music can be a fantastic tool to improve your pronunciation. By listening to Swedish songs and trying to imitate the singers, you can train your ear to recognise and imitate the unique sounds of the language.
I’ve found the podcast from Oscar on Spotify to be a great resource. It’s a great example of how podcasts can make learning Swedish fun and informative. Why not give it a try? You might be surprised at how much progress you can make while having fun!
Writing and Asking AI for Proofreading
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that you get better with practice! It’s true for writing, and I can personally attest to this when it comes to improving my writing skills at Swedish.
No matter what kind of writing you do – keeping a diary, writing short stories or sharing updates on social media – regular practice is essential. And these smart assistants can catch typos and suggest improvements, so your Swedish will be on point.
I’d highly recommend using tools like ChatGPT and Bard to give your writing a helpful double-check. By utilising AI and practising regularly, you’ll be mastering Swedish in no time!
Watching Movie
You might never have considered using film to improve your Swedish, but it could be a great way to learn. Watching Swedish films and TV shows is a great way to practise everyday conversation in a fun and engaging way. You might be surprised at the quality and variety of entertainment content available.
If you’re looking for an authentic Swedish viewing experience, I’d highly recommend SVT Play, a free Swedish streaming service offering a diverse selection of programmes. Many of us are already familiar with Netflix, but exploring Swedish platforms like SVT Play allows you to experience the language in its natural habitat. So, why not grab some popcorn or something to eat and enjoy a captivating film while you watch your Swedish language skills flourish? I would highly recommend giving it a try.
Start to Speak
Speaking is one of the best ways to learn a language. It’s probably also true of Swedish, and probably any other language too. So don’t be shy – try speaking Swedish with friends, classmates or even people you don’t know.
When I first started learning Swedish, I was a bit shy about speaking. I was worried about making mistakes, but I soon realised that making mistakes is part of the learning process. People around you will probably appreciate your efforts to communicate. In fact, chatting is a great way to boost your confidence and fluency in Swedish!
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