Swedish Grammar #60: Expressions for Suggestions and Requests

In Swedish, expressions for making suggestions such as “Shall we… ?” or for making polite requests like “Could you… ?” are frequently used. In everyday conversation, it is important to avoid sounding too direct, instead using softer and more polite wording.

In this lesson, I will explain the basic sentence patterns and provide examples of how to make suggestions and requests in Swedish.

1. Basic Patterns for Suggestions

The verbs ska (shall) and skulle (should/would) are commonly used when making suggestions in Swedish.

1-1. Direct Suggestion with ska

The pattern “ska vi + infinitive” means “let’s …” and is used when simply inviting someone to do something together.

This structure assumes that both the speaker and the listener will take part in the action. It is often used in conversations with friends or family.

1-2. Polite Suggestion with skulle

The pattern “skulle vi + infinitive” is more polite and indirect than ska vi ….

Since skulle is the past form of ska, using it softens the tone, giving the nuance of “Wouldn’t it be nice if we… ?”.

Compared to “ska vi …,” this form is more polite and can be used in business situations or with someone you are meeting for the first time.

2. Basic Patterns for Requests

For making requests, Swedish often uses kan (can) or the more polite skulle kunna (could you).

2-1. Request with kan

The pattern “kan du + infinitive” means “Can you … ?” and is used in casual situations.

This is often used with friends or family, and is one of the basic everyday expressions.

2-2. Polite Request with skulle kunna

To make a request more polite, use “skulle du kunna + infinitive.”

This phrasing carries the nuance of “If it is possible, could you… ?” and shows consideration for the other person. It is appropriate in more formal contexts.

3. Commonly Used Expressions

Here is a summary of useful fixed expressions for making suggestions and requests. Since these expressions appear frequently in conversation, it is useful to memorize them as set phrases.

4. How to Soften the Tone

In Swedish, the use of past tense forms can make expressions sound softer and more polite. This is especially useful in requests and suggestions.

Compared to the present tense “Vill du ha … ?” (Do you want … ?), the past tense “Ville du … ?” feels less direct and more polite.

Other examples include:

Here, the use of tänkte (was thinking) expresses the suggestion in a more indirect and considerate way.

In this way, Swedish avoids directness, and using softer expressions helps conversations flow more smoothly.

5. Summary

Haruno

Author

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