Take a tailor-made course in Swedish

The idea behind the tailor-made Swedish courses for employees is to help employees quickly integrate into their work and community at KTH. The courses covers everyday language as well as specialist terminology.

“I benefit from the course in my research. In my research areas, precision medicine and health systems engineering, we often work with documents or data in Swedish,” says Luca Marzano, a Ph.D. student at the Division of Health Informatics and Logistics in Flemingsberg.

Arsineh Boodaghian Asl, Ph.D. also student at the Division of Health Informatics and Logistics, agrees:

“I have improved my academic vocabulary, which I need for my research.”

Maryam Majdolhosseini, a Ph.D. student in Neuronics, highlights another benefit of the course:

“It was very helpful for me to improve my speech, among other things.”

Maryam thinks it can be difficult to find opportunities to practise.

“Everyone speaks English. When you start speaking Swedish, you get answers in English.”

Luca is pleased that the teachers made them speak Swedish during the course.

“I really liked that the teachers often encouraged us to talk to them a lot.”

What is the most difficult thing about Swedish?

“Speaking and pronouncing it correctly. It takes a lot of practice and it's not always easy to find opportunities,” says Luca.

Learn more about culture

Understanding Swedish customs and traditions is another important part of the course. Luca is from Bari in southern Italy, Arsineh has roots in Armenia and Iran, and Maryam is from Isfahan in Iran.

“A language course is the best way to learn more about culture and different ways of looking at life,” says Maryam.

Swedish coffee culture, “fika", is a natural part of the course.

 “My colleagues and I have a sign on our office door that says 'Days without fika: zero'. A sign that we have adapted well to Swedish culture,” says Luca with a smile.

Arsineh says ‘fika’ is her favourite word in Swedish.

Maryam likes various exclamations:

“I like interjections: ‘liksom’, ‘jaha’, ‘nähä’ and how to say ‘ja’ in everyday speech,” says Maryam.

Luca has many favourite Swedish words, but if he has to choose, his favourite word is “lagom”:

“I really like the idea of finding the right balance in things, like when it comes to using ingredients in cooking or creating balance at work. ‘Lagom’ is the best!”

Increase career opportunities

The tailor-made courses does not give any university credits, but it increases the possibilities for a career at KTH.

“Swedish is often a prerequisite for participating in and taking on tasks that fall under our official duties,” says Viktor Englund, lecturer in Swedish and course coordinator.

Courses are offered at different levels, from beginner to advanced.

“If you are interested in taking the course, you should first test your level of Swedish before registering,” says Viktor.

Text: Leena Höijer

Test your Swedish and register for the course

Which are your best tips for learning Swedish?

Maryam Majdolhosseini: 

“I try to learn new languages as a hobby, not as a duty. Enjoy every second and don't be afraid to make mistakes! It takes practice to improve and learn. Don't wait until you can speak perfectly before you start talking to people.”

Luca Marzano:

“Immerse yourself in Swedish culture. Read and listen to news and podcasts in simple Swedish. Watch programmes and series in Swedish - SVT and TV4 are free! Find opportunities to communicate in Swedish with friends and colleagues. It's important not to be afraid to speak Swedish, even if you don't speak it perfectly. It is through speaking that your confidence can grow.”

Arsineh Boodaghian Asl:

“I read books in simple Swedish.”