Translating from English to Swedish is more than just swapping words between languages; it’s about capturing the nuances, tone, and cultural context that make a translation feel natural and accurate.
Whether you’re a professional translator or someone seeking high-quality translation services, understanding the common pitfalls in English to Swedish translation is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll explore 15 essential tips to help you avoid these mistakes, ensuring your translations are not only precise but also resonate with Swedish-speaking audiences.
From handling idiomatic expressions to matching tone and formality, these insights will equip you to navigate the complexities of English to Swedish translation with confidence.
1. Beware of False Friends
False friends are words in two languages that look or sound similar but have different meanings. These can easily lead to mistranslations if not carefully considered. In English to Swedish translation, some false friends are particularly tricky due to the close relationship between the two languages.
For example, the English word “eventually” might be mistaken for the Swedish word “eventuellt.” However, “eventuellt” actually means “possibly,” not “eventually.” If you translated “She will eventually finish the project” as “Hon kommer eventuellt att avsluta projektet,” it would imply uncertainty about whether she will finish the project at all, rather than suggesting she will complete it at some point.
To avoid this pitfall, it’s crucial to always double-check words that look familiar but may not mean what you expect. Use a reliable bilingual dictionary or a corpus to verify meanings in context.
Also, consider the surrounding text to ensure that the word you’ve chosen conveys the correct meaning. When in doubt, paraphrase the sentence to see if a different wording in Swedish might be clearer and more accurate.
Another example is the English word “actual,” which can be confused with the Swedish “aktuell.” While “actual” refers to something real or existing, “aktuell” means “current” or “relevant.” Translating “the actual cost” as “den aktuella kostnaden” would incorrectly suggest that the cost is current or relevant rather than real.
To avoid errors with false friends, it’s essential to maintain awareness of these tricky words and continually expand your knowledge of both languages. Regularly reviewing lists of false friends and testing your understanding of them can also help reinforce correct usage.
2. Understand Cultural Contexts
One of the most challenging aspects of translation is conveying not just the words but also the cultural nuances behind them. This is especially true when translating between English and Swedish, as both languages are deeply embedded in their respective cultures.
For instance, the concept of “lagom,” a Swedish word with no direct English equivalent, embodies the idea of moderation and balance, something that is “just right.” It’s a cultural value deeply ingrained in Swedish society. If you’re translating a phrase like “not too much, not too little,” understanding the cultural weight of “lagom” allows you to capture the essence of what is being conveyed in Swedish.
Another cultural element is how politeness is expressed differently in English and Swedish. English often uses more indirect language to soften requests or statements (e.g., “Could you please pass the salt?”).
In Swedish, a more direct approach is common, and such a request might simply be “Kan du skicka saltet?” This doesn’t mean that Swedes are less polite; it’s just a difference in cultural communication styles. Translating these nuances correctly is essential to maintain the intended tone and message.
When translating idiomatic expressions, cultural knowledge becomes even more important. An English idiom like “barking up the wrong tree” may not make sense to a Swedish audience.
A literal translation, “skälla vid fel träd,” would be confusing. Instead, you might opt for a Swedish expression that conveys a similar meaning, such as “vara pÃ¥ fel spÃ¥r” (to be on the wrong track).
To avoid missteps, always consider the cultural context behind the language.
If you’re unfamiliar with certain cultural references or values, take the time to research and understand them before attempting a translation. Engaging with native speakers or consulting cultural experts can also provide invaluable insights.
3. Pay Attention to Gendered Language
In Swedish, nouns are classified into two grammatical genders: common (en) and neuter (ett). Choosing the correct gender for nouns is crucial because it affects the form of the articles, adjectives, and pronouns that accompany the noun.
For example, the word “book” in Swedish is “bok,” which is a common gender noun, so you would say “en bok” (a book). If you mistakenly use “ett bok,” it’s immediately incorrect to a native Swedish speaker. This error could disrupt the flow of the translation and make the text harder to understand.
In English, there is no grammatical gender, so this is an area where English speakers might struggle when translating into Swedish. A related issue arises with adjectives, which also need to agree in gender with the nouns they describe.
For instance, “a big book” translates to “en stor bok,” but “a big house” (house being a neuter noun in Swedish, “hus”) translates to “ett stort hus.” Notice how the adjective “stor” changes to “stort” to match the gender of the noun.
Another layer of complexity is added by the fact that Swedish uses gender-neutral pronouns more frequently than English. The pronoun “hen” can be used instead of “han” (he) or “hon” (she) when the gender of the person is unknown or irrelevant.
In contexts where gender neutrality is important, especially in modern, inclusive language, knowing when and how to use “hen” appropriately is essential.
To avoid mistakes with gendered language, practice is key. Regularly engage with Swedish texts to familiarize yourself with noun genders and their associated grammatical rules.
When in doubt, consult a Swedish grammar guide or use a tool that checks for gender agreement. Over time, this will become second nature, reducing the likelihood of errors in your translations.
4. Handle Compound Words with Care
Swedish is known for its love of compound words, where two or more words are combined to form a single term. While English also uses compounds, they are often hyphenated or remain as separate words, which can lead to confusion for translators.
For example, “skärgÃ¥rd” is a compound word in Swedish that combines “skär” (rocky island) and “gÃ¥rd” (farm), but it translates to the English phrase “archipelago.”
If an English speaker tries to translate “archipelago” as “arkipelag,” which is a more direct borrowing from the original Greek, it would be understandable but not as natural in Swedish as “skärgÃ¥rd.” Similarly, the compound word “sjukhus” (literally “sick house”) means “hospital” in English.
One common mistake is breaking down compound words incorrectly or misunderstanding the meaning of the combined parts. For instance, “rökfri” means “smoke-free,” not “smoke-fri,” and breaking it down into “rök” (smoke) and “fri” (free) helps to understand its correct meaning.
Another pitfall is creating compounds where they don’t naturally occur in Swedish. For example, the phrase “house cat” in English might tempt a translator to write “huskatt” in Swedish, but the correct term is simply “katt,” as the context usually makes it clear that it’s a domesticated cat.
To avoid errors with compound words, it’s important to familiarize yourself with common Swedish compounds and how they’re used.
This often involves reading extensively in Swedish and practicing the formation and interpretation of these words. When encountering a compound that you’re unsure of, consult a Swedish dictionary to ensure correct usage.
5. Maintain Proper Word Order
Swedish and English word orders are generally similar, following a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure. However, Swedish has a few notable differences, especially when it comes to verb placement in subordinate clauses and questions.
For instance, in English, you might say, “I think that he is coming.” The direct translation would be “Jag tror att han kommer.” However, in subordinate clauses in Swedish, the verb often comes before the subject.
So, the correct translation is “Jag tror att han kommer.” Placing the verb incorrectly as “Jag tror att kommer han” would confuse the sentence structure.
Similarly, in questions, Swedish word order can differ from English. In English, you might ask, “Is she coming?” The Swedish equivalent, “Kommer hon?” places the verb first, which is similar to English, but it’s important to maintain this order to avoid sounding unnatural.
Another common mistake involves the placement of adverbs. In Swedish, the position of adverbs can change the meaning of a sentence.
For example, “Han har redan läst boken” means “He has already read the book.” If you place “redan” (already) in a different position, such as after the verb, it would disrupt the sentence’s meaning or make it sound awkward.
To avoid word order mistakes, pay close attention to how sentences are structured in Swedish. Read native texts to get a feel for the natural flow of the language and practice constructing sentences in different tenses and moods.
If you’re unsure, using grammar checking tools or consulting a Swedish grammar reference can help ensure that your translations maintain the correct word order.
6. Avoid Over-literal Translations
Literal translations often miss the mark because they fail to convey the intended meaning or nuance of the original text. This is a common trap for beginner translators or those who rely too heavily on machine translation.
For example, the English phrase “I’m on the fence” literally translates to “Jag är pÃ¥ staketet” in Swedish. However, this would be confusing because it doesn’t carry the same idiomatic meaning of being undecided.
The correct translation would be something more akin to “Jag är tveksam,” which conveys hesitation or indecision without invoking the image of a physical fence.
Another example is the phrase “break the ice,” which in English means to initiate conversation in a tense or awkward situation.
Translating this literally to “bryta isen” in Swedish would be understood, but it’s not commonly used in the same way. Instead, a better translation might be “fÃ¥ igÃ¥ng samtalet” (get the conversation going) or using a different phrase that better fits the context.
Over-literal translations also often fail to account for differences in syntax and idiom usage between English and Swedish. For instance, “I miss you” translates to “Jag saknar dig,” not “Jag missar dig,” which would imply something else entirely.
To avoid over-literal translations, always focus on the meaning and context rather than just the words. Ask yourself how a native Swedish speaker would express the same idea and whether your translation sounds natural in the target language.
It’s also helpful to read widely in both languages to understand how different expressions are used and to get a better sense of idiomatic language.
7. Match Tone and Formality Appropriately
Matching the tone and formality level of the original text in the translation is critical, especially in professional or formal contexts. English and Swedish have different ways of expressing levels of formality, and misunderstanding these can lead to translations that sound too casual or too stiff.
For instance, English often uses modal verbs like “could” or “would” to soften requests and make them more polite. In Swedish, however, the tone might be softened by using the conditional form or by choosing specific words.
For example, “Could you please send me the report?” might translate to “Kan du skicka rapporten, tack?” in Swedish. The use of “tack” (thank you) at the end adds politeness without requiring a direct equivalent of “please,” which doesn’t have a perfect counterpart in Swedish.
On the other hand, if you’re translating a formal document, such as a business letter, maintaining the correct level of formality is crucial.
A phrase like “Dear Sir/Madam” in English would be “Bästa herrn eller frun” in a formal Swedish letter, or more commonly, just “Bästa.” Using a casual tone, like “Hej” (Hi), would be inappropriate in such contexts.
Another consideration is the use of titles and honorifics. While English might use “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “Dr.,” Swedish typically uses titles less frequently, especially in less formal contexts. If a title is necessary, ensure that it’s appropriate for the level of formality required by the situation.
To avoid mismatches in tone and formality, always consider the context in which the translation will be used.
Familiarize yourself with Swedish etiquette regarding formal and informal language, and when in doubt, err on the side of caution by choosing a slightly more formal tone, as it’s easier to adjust downward than to correct an overly casual translation.
8. Watch Out for Verb Tense Differences
English and Swedish handle verb tenses in different ways, and failing to account for these differences can lead to awkward or incorrect translations. While both languages use past, present, and future tenses, the rules governing their usage don’t always align perfectly.
For example, the English present perfect tense (“I have done”) often translates directly into the Swedish equivalent (“Jag har gjort”). However, the usage might differ.
In Swedish, the present perfect is used less frequently in situations where English speakers might naturally choose it. Instead, Swedish often prefers the simple past (“Jag gjorde” for “I did”) in contexts where English would use the present perfect.
Similarly, future tense constructions can differ. English often uses “will” or “going to” for future events, whereas Swedish might simply use the present tense.
For instance, “I will call you tomorrow” could be translated as “Jag ringer dig imorgon” (literally “I call you tomorrow”), with no need for an auxiliary verb like “will.”
Another tricky area is the conditional tense. English uses “would” for hypothetical situations, while Swedish might use “skulle” or a different structure altogether. For instance, “If I were you, I would go” translates to “Om jag vore du, skulle jag gÃ¥,” where “skulle” stands in for “would.”
To avoid tense-related errors, it’s important to understand the nuances of Swedish verb conjugation and tense usage.
Regular practice with verb forms and reading native texts will help you develop an intuition for when and how to use each tense correctly. If you’re unsure, consulting a grammar guide or seeking feedback from native speakers can also be helpful.
9. Be Cautious with Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are a common feature of English, where a verb is combined with one or more particles (e.g., “give up,” “take off”). These can be particularly challenging to translate into Swedish because there often isn’t a direct equivalent.
For example, the phrasal verb “look after” doesn’t have a one-to-one translation in Swedish. Instead, you might need to use a completely different verb, such as “ta hand om” (literally “take hand of”).
A sentence like “She looks after her brother” would translate to “Hon tar hand om sin bror,” rather than a more literal translation that would be confusing or nonsensical.
Another example is “put up with,” which translates to “stÃ¥ ut med” in Swedish, meaning “stand out with.” Directly translating the individual parts of the phrasal verb would not make sense and could lead to miscommunication.
The difficulty with phrasal verbs often lies in their idiomatic nature. Even if the words themselves are understood, their combined meaning can be lost in translation. This is why it’s crucial to recognize phrasal verbs and find appropriate Swedish equivalents rather than attempting a word-for-word translation.
To handle phrasal verbs effectively, familiarize yourself with common English phrasal verbs and their Swedish counterparts. Practice translating sentences with these verbs, and when you encounter a new or unfamiliar phrasal verb, look up its meaning and find an appropriate Swedish expression.
Over time, this will help you build a mental library of phrasal verb translations, making your work smoother and more accurate.
10. Consider Register and Audience
Understanding the target audience and the register of the original text is essential for producing a translation that is both accurate and appropriate. Register refers to the level of formality or informality in language use, and it can vary greatly depending on the context and audience.
For example, a marketing text aimed at young consumers might use informal language, slang, or even humor. In translating this into Swedish, you would need to adapt these elements to suit Swedish cultural norms and the expectations of the target audience.
A phrase like “Get in touch with us!” might be translated to the more casual “Hör av dig till oss!” if the tone is friendly and informal.
Conversely, if you’re translating a legal document or academic paper, the register should be much more formal. Here, precision and clarity are key, and you would need to use the appropriate legal or technical terminology in Swedish.
For instance, “This contract is legally binding” might translate to “Detta kontrakt är juridiskt bindande,” using the formal term “juridiskt” for “legally.”
Understanding the audience also involves cultural considerations. For example, jokes or references that make sense in an English context might not translate well into Swedish.
A joke that relies on a pun in English, for instance, might need to be replaced with a completely different joke that fits the Swedish language and culture.
To avoid mismatches in register and audience expectations, always consider who the translation is for and what the original text’s purpose is. Tailor your language choices to match the intended use and audience.
If possible, seek feedback from native speakers who fit the target demographic to ensure your translation resonates with them.
11. Mind the Differences in Punctuation
Punctuation rules can vary significantly between English and Swedish, and incorrect punctuation can change the meaning of a sentence or make it harder to read. Being mindful of these differences is important for producing a polished and accurate translation.
One major difference is the use of quotation marks.
In English, double quotation marks (” “) are typically used for direct speech or quotations, while in Swedish, the convention is to use double (« ») or single (‘ ’) quotation marks, or even colon punctuation for dialogue in literature.
For instance, an English sentence like “He said, ‘I’m coming with you.'” might be translated as “Han sa: ‘Jag kommer med dig.'”
Another difference is the use of commas. English often uses the Oxford comma, a comma placed before the final conjunction in a list (e.g., “apples, oranges, and bananas”). Swedish, however, generally does not use a comma before “och” (and) in a list, so the translation would be “äpplen, apelsiner och bananer.”
Colons and semicolons are also used differently. Swedish tends to use colons more frequently, especially to introduce explanations or lists, whereas English might use a comma or dash.
For example, “He brought three things: a hat, a coat, and a scarf” might be similar in Swedish, but with more emphasis on the colon usage: “Han tog med tre saker: en hatt, en kappa och en halsduk.”
To avoid punctuation errors, familiarize yourself with Swedish punctuation rules and compare them to English. When translating, consciously check the punctuation to ensure it follows Swedish norms. Reading Swedish texts can help reinforce these rules, making it easier to apply them correctly in your translations.
12. Avoid Overusing Cognates
Cognates are words in different languages that have similar forms and meanings due to a common origin. While these can be helpful in translation,
relying too heavily on cognates can lead to awkward or incorrect translations.
For example, the English word “information” is a cognate with the Swedish “information.” While this might seem like an easy translation, context matters. In some cases, “upplysning” might be a better fit in Swedish, especially if the context involves giving specific details or instructions.
Another example is “event,” which can be translated as “evenemang” or “händelse” depending on the context. While “evenemang” refers to a planned public or social occasion, “händelse” refers to an occurrence or incident. Choosing the wrong cognate can change the meaning of the text.
Cognates can also lead to false friends, as mentioned earlier, where the word looks similar but has a different meaning. For instance, “fabric” in English might be mistakenly translated as “fabrik” in Swedish, which actually means “factory,” not “fabric” (which is “tyg” in Swedish).
To avoid overusing cognates, always consider the context in which the word is used. Don’t automatically choose the Swedish word that looks most like the English word; instead, think about what the word means in the sentence and whether a different Swedish word might convey that meaning more accurately.
Consulting a thesaurus or synonym list in Swedish can help you find the most appropriate word for your translation.
13. Use Proper Pronouns and Possessives
Pronouns and possessive forms in Swedish differ from English in several ways, and using them correctly is essential for a natural and accurate translation. Mistakes in pronoun usage can lead to confusion or awkward sentences.
One key difference is that Swedish has gendered pronouns (“han” for “he,” “hon” for “she”) and also a gender-neutral pronoun, “hen.” While English has “they” as a gender-neutral singular pronoun, it’s not used in exactly the same way as “hen” in Swedish.
When translating a sentence like “Someone left their book,” you might choose “NÃ¥gon lämnade sin bok” in Swedish, where “sin” (their) is gender-neutral and agrees with the subject “nÃ¥gon” (someone).
Another important aspect is the use of reflexive possessives, such as “sin,” “sitt,” and “sina,” which correspond to “his/her/its” but are used when the subject and object are the same person or thing.
For example, “He washed his car” would be “Han tvättade sin bil” if he washed his own car, but “Han tvättade hans bil” if he washed someone else’s car. The distinction is important for clarity.
Swedish also uses “dess” as a possessive pronoun for non-human subjects, similar to “its” in English. For instance, “The company changed its policy” translates to “Företaget ändrade dess policy.”
To avoid errors with pronouns and possessives, pay close attention to the subject and object relationships in your sentences. Practice identifying when to use “sin/sitt/sina” versus “hans/hennes/dess,” and review how pronouns change based on gender and number.
Over time, this will help you use pronouns more accurately and naturally in your translations.
14. Stay Current with Language Changes
Languages are constantly evolving, and Swedish is no exception. Staying up to date with changes in vocabulary, grammar, and usage is crucial for any translator to ensure their translations are accurate and relevant.
One recent change in Swedish is the increasing use of the gender-neutral pronoun “hen.” While it was once controversial, it’s now widely accepted and used, especially in contexts where gender inclusivity is important.
A translator who isn’t aware of this shift might miss the opportunity to use “hen” where appropriate, potentially leading to a translation that feels outdated or insensitive.
Another area of change is technology and internet-related vocabulary. As new technologies emerge, new words are coined, and old words take on new meanings.
For example, “swipa” (to swipe) has become common in the context of touchscreen devices. A translator who isn’t familiar with this term might struggle to find the right word in Swedish or choose an inappropriate equivalent.
Additionally, slang and informal language can change rapidly. Words and phrases that were popular a few years ago might now seem old-fashioned. For example, “fett” (literally “fat”) was once popular as slang for “cool,” but its usage has declined in favor of other expressions.
Staying in touch with these changes ensures your translations sound natural to contemporary Swedish speakers.
To stay current with language changes, regularly read Swedish newspapers, watch Swedish media, and engage with native speakers. Joining translation forums or professional groups can also help you keep up with industry-specific terminology and language trends.
By staying informed, you can ensure that your translations are not only accurate but also modern and relevant.
15. Use Reliable Resources and Tools
Even the most skilled translators need reliable resources and tools to produce high-quality work. Whether it’s a good bilingual dictionary, a grammar guide, or translation software, having the right tools at your disposal can make a significant difference in the accuracy and efficiency of your translations.
One essential resource is a comprehensive bilingual dictionary that offers detailed definitions, usage examples, and idiomatic expressions. For instance, using a dictionary like Norstedts or Lexin can help you understand the nuances of a word’s meaning and find the most appropriate translation in context.
However, dictionaries alone aren’t enough, as they often don’t capture the full range of idiomatic or contextual usage.
Grammar guides are also invaluable, especially for understanding the differences between English and Swedish syntax, verb tenses, and word order. Books like “Swedish: A Comprehensive Grammar” by Philip Holmes and Ian Hinchliffe can be particularly useful for navigating tricky grammatical structures.
Translation software and tools like CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools can help streamline the translation process, especially for longer texts.
Tools like SDL Trados, MemoQ, or online platforms like DeepL and Google Translate can offer suggestions and help with consistency, but they should be used with caution.
Machine translations can provide a good starting point, but they often miss the nuances and cultural context that a human translator would catch.
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of proofreading tools like Grammarly or LanguageTool, which can catch errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar that might slip through on a first pass. These tools can be particularly useful for ensuring that your translation reads smoothly and professionally.
By combining these resources and tools, you can enhance the quality of your translations, avoid common mistakes, and produce work that meets the highest standards of accuracy and fluency.
Conclusion
Translating from English to Swedish is a complex process that goes beyond mere word-for-word substitution. It demands a deep understanding of the linguistic differences, cultural nuances, and contextual factors that shape how language is used.
This means that a successful translation not only accurately conveys the original message but also feels natural and appropriate to the target audience.
By staying aware of the common pitfalls in English to Swedish translation, and applying the tips outlined in this guide, you can significantly improve the quality and effectiveness of your work.
These insights are invaluable whether you’re a professional translator striving to refine your craft or someone seeking reliable translation services.U
nderstanding the intricacies of idiomatic expressions, verb tenses, tone, formality, and other linguistic elements will help you avoid errors that could diminish the impact of your translation.
Furthermore, by considering the cultural context and audience for each translation, you ensure that the final product is not just a literal translation, but a text that truly resonates with Swedish readers.
The key to successful translation lies in continuous learning and adaptation.
Language is ever-evolving, and staying current with these changes will keep your translations relevant and effective. By using reliable resources and tools, honing your skills, and paying close attention to detail, you can produce translations that are both accurate and culturally attuned.
This approach will not only enhance the quality of your translations but also build trust and credibility with your clients or readers, ultimately contributing to your success as a translator or service provider.