läkare
/²lɛːkarɛ/
The English phrase "medical doctor" is translated into Swedish as läkare.
The term refers to a physician.
Meaning: physician (noun)
Which one should you use?
While läkare refers to the profession of a medical doctor, doktor is often used as a title for someone with a PhD or as a more colloquial way to address a physician.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of läkare is identical to the singular form läkare. The definite form of 'läkare' is 'läkaren'.
How do you pronounce it?
/²lɛːkarɛ/
Did you know?
- The word läkare shares a common ancient ancestor with the Proto-Slavic word lěkařь, showing a prehistoric linguistic link between Nordic and Slavic medical terms.
- While läkare is used for doctors, Swedish has a specific word läkekonst to describe the 'art of healing' or the practice of medicine.
- The root of läkare is the verb läka, which means 'to heal'. This connects the modern profession directly to the ancient act of making someone whole again.
Examples in context
- Jag blev idag officiellt en läkare.Today, I officially became a medical doctor.
- Jag behöver träffa en doktor för att få recept.I need to see a medical doctor to get a prescription.
- Läkaren gav mig råd om min hälsa.The medical doctor gave me advice about my health.
- Hon jobbar som läkare på sjukhuset.She works as a doctor at the hospital.
- Jag måste boka tid hos en läkare.I need to book an appointment with a doctor.
- Min bror vill bli läkare i framtiden.My brother wants to be a doctor in the future.
Example conversation
Linnea and Karl are talking about Karl's career choice.
- LinneaVad vill du jobba med, Karl?What do you want to work with, Karl?
- KarlJag vill bli läkare.I want to be a doctor.
- LinneaDet är ett viktigt yrke.That is an important profession.
- KarlJa, jag vill hjälpa människor.Yes, I want to help people.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry läkare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries läkare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
