viking
/²viːˌkɪŋ/common gender
The English word 'viking' is viking in Swedish.
The term refers to one of the seafaring warriors from Scandinavia.
Meaning: One of the Scandinavian seafaring warriors (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular noun viking can be used in its definite form as vikingen (the viking). To refer to a group, use the plural form vikingar (vikings). The definite plural form is vikingarna (the vikings).
How do you pronounce it?
/²viːˌkɪŋ/
Did you know?
- While the English word 'viking' is ancient, the modern Swedish word viking only became common in the 19th century after the poet Esaias Tegnér popularized it.
- In Swedish, the phrase gå i viking functions as a verb phrase meaning to go on a raid, focusing on the activity rather than the identity of the person.
- Despite the global image of horned helmets, there is no historical Swedish record or archaeological evidence that vikingar ever wore them in battle.
Examples in context
- Vikingahjälmar med horn är inte längre på modet i Skandinavien.Viking helmets with horns aren't in style in Scandinavia anymore.This sentence shows how the word viking is used when discussing historical items like helmets.Tatoeba #5198789 by richke, translation #5695971 by shea
- Många tror att en viking var mycket stark.Many believe that a viking was very strong.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a history museum exhibit.
- KarlSer du den där vikingen på bilden?Do you see that viking in the picture?
- AliceJa, han ser väldigt skrämmande ut.Yes, he looks very scary.
- KarlDet är en intressant utställning om en viking.It is an interesting exhibition about a viking.
- AliceJag håller med, Karl.I agree, Karl.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “viking” translations and entries viking, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries viking, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
