Gaining some basic knowledge of the local language can greatly enhance your travel experience. One important phrase to have in your vocabulary when shopping or inquiring about prices in Sweden is “How much is this?” In this guide, we will explore different ways to express this question in Swedish – both formally and informally. You will also find helpful tips, examples, and possible regional variations. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of Swedish language!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
If you’re in a formal setting or dealing with someone you should address as “ni” (the formal form of “you” in Swedish), these expressions will be appropriate:
- Hur mycket kostar det här? – How much does this cost?
- Vad kostar detta? – What does this cost?
- Jag skulle vilja veta priset på detta. – I would like to know the price of this.
Remember that adding “ursäkta” (excuse me) at the beginning of these phrases can make them even more polite and respectful.
Informal Expressions
In informal situations or when addressing someone using “du” (the informal form of “you”), you can use these expressions:
- Vad kostar det här? – What does this cost?
- Hur mycket kostar detta? – How much does this cost?
- Vad är priset på detta? – What is the price of this?
Swedes are generally known to be friendly and approachable, making the use of informal expressions quite common. However, it’s always essential to adapt your language to the context and individuals you are interacting with.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you master the art of asking about prices in Swedish:
1. Use “Var” to Inquire about a Specific Place
If you want to ask about the price of something in a particular store or location, use “var” (where) in your question:
Var mycket kostar dessa kläder? – How much do these clothes cost?
Var kan jag se prislappen på den där skjortan? – Where can I see the price tag on that shirt?
2. Practice Numbers
Being familiar with Swedish numbers will greatly assist you in understanding prices. Here are the numbers from one to ten:
- ett (1)
- två (2)
- tre (3)
- fyr(a) (4)
- fem (5)
- sex (6)
- sju (7)
- åtta (8)
- nio (9)
- tio (10)
Being able to recognize these numbers will make it easier to understand prices even if you’re not yet fluent in Swedish.
3. Bargaining is Uncommon
In Sweden, haggling for lower prices is not customary. Prices are generally fixed and you may find that attempting to negotiate can be seen as impolite or unusual. Nonetheless, it’s always worth asking for discounts during sales or special promotions.
4. Regional Variations
Swedish is spoken across several regions, but the variations in asking about prices are minimal. However, you might encounter slight differences in pronunciation and intonation. For example, in some regions, people might say “Va dä här?” instead of “Vad är det här?” (What is this?), but it won’t affect your ability to communicate and ask about prices.
Wrap-up
Now that you have learned different ways to ask “How much is this?” in Swedish, you can confidently explore shops, markets, and other places where you might need to inquire about prices. Remember to adapt your language based on the formality of the situation and the level of familiarity with the person you are interacting with. Happy shopping and enjoy your time in Sweden!
