Over the years we have welcomed thousands of foreign talents and thus have had reason to think about whether it’s important to learn the local language.
Why learn Swedish?
Swedish is the official language of Sweden and is spoken by the majority of its citizens. If you are planning to move to Sweden or are already living there, learning the language can be a valuable investment that will open many doors for you in terms of finding employment, especially for spouses and family members to work permit holders, as well as integrating into the community.
Sweden is a country that values diversity and equality, and learning the local language is an important step towards integrating into Swedish society. It can help you build relationships with your colleagues, neighbors, and friends, and make it easier for you to navigate everyday life.
How hard is it to learn Swedish?
The answer to this question will depend on how far or close Swedish is to your native language.
Comparing Swedish with English for example, both languages are part of the Germanic language family, which may make things a bit easier when it comes to learning Swedish.
Swedish is a category 1 language meaning it is approximately as easy for native English speakers to learn it as it is learning a language such as Spanish or French.
Can you work in Sweden without speaking Swedish?
This depends a bit on the type of work you are applying for and the sector or industry it is in. In general, as English is taught in Swedish elementary schools, most people in Sweden have at least an elementary command of the English language.
Even though you can get by in the day-to-day life in Sweden on English alone, when it comes to the professional arena, there are many benefits associated with being able to speak Swedish.
Benefits of learning Swedish
One of the main benefits of learning Swedish is that it can improve your job prospects. Many companies in Sweden prefer to hire individuals who are proficient in the local language, as it allows for better communication and understanding with customers and colleagues. This can be especially true for jobs in customer service, marketing, and sales, where being able to speak Swedish fluently can be a valuable asset.
In addition to improving your job prospects, learning Swedish can also help you to better understand the culture and customs of Sweden. This can make it easier for you to integrate into the community and feel at home in your new surroundings. Understanding the language can help you to participate in cultural events and activities, and to make friends with your neighbors and colleagues.
Learning resources
If you are considering learning Swedish, there are many resources available to help you. There are language schools and courses available in most cities, as well as online resources and self-study materials. You can also consider finding a language exchange partner or taking private lessons with a tutor.
When starting to learn Swedish, it is important to set achievable goals and to be patient with yourself. It is also helpful to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible, by listening to Swedish music, watching Swedish films and TV shows, and reading Swedish books and newspapers.
Swedish culture
If you are planning to move to Sweden, it is also important to be aware of the cultural differences that you may encounter. Sweden has a strong tradition of equality and social welfare, and this is reflected in the way that people interact with each other. For example, it is common for people to take a break from work to go for a walk or have lunch, and this is seen as an important part of a healthy work-life balance.
Another aspect of Swedish culture that is worth noting is the importance of personal space. Swedes are generally more reserved and private than people from some other cultures, and it is important to be respectful of this. For example, it is not common to make physical contact with people when you first meet them, and it is also important to avoid interrupting others when they are speaking.
It is important to be aware of the practicalities of relocation to Sweden
This can include finding a place to live, opening a bank account, and registering with the local authorities. All these tasks require in-depth knowledge, contacts, and Swedish language skills of course help a great deal. While finding general information on-line, getting accurate and current information can be hard.
Supporting companies moving global talent to Sweden is something the Nimmersion Relocation team has done since 1995, helping with a smooth arrival has always been the goal. Are you looking to relocate global talent? reach out to us here.
In conclusion, learning the Swedish language is a valuable investment for anyone who is planning to move to Sweden or is already living there. It can help you to find employment, integrate into the community, and understand the culture and customs of Sweden. Whether you are starting from scratch or already have some knowledge of the language, there are many resources available to help you improve your skills. So why not give it a try and see how learning Swedish can open many doors for you in your new home!
