A1 Proverb محايد

Den som gapar efter mycket

He who gapes for much

المعنى

Greed leads to losing everything.

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خلفية ثقافية

The proverb is a pillar of the 'Lagom' philosophy, which values moderation and balance over excess. Similar versions exist in Norway and Denmark, reflecting a shared Nordic value system that warns against individualistic hubris. In the startup world, this proverb is sometimes debated. Some argue that 'gaping for much' is necessary for innovation, while traditionalists use it to warn against 'burn rate' and over-expansion. It is one of the first proverbs Swedish children learn, usually in the context of food or toys.

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The Short Version

In 90% of conversations, you only need to say 'Den som gapar efter mycket...' and stop. It sounds more natural and native.

💬

The 'Lagom' Connection

Use this phrase to show you understand the Swedish value of moderation. It’s a great way to bond with Swedish colleagues.

المعنى

Greed leads to losing everything.

🎯

The Short Version

In 90% of conversations, you only need to say 'Den som gapar efter mycket...' and stop. It sounds more natural and native.

💬

The 'Lagom' Connection

Use this phrase to show you understand the Swedish value of moderation. It’s a great way to bond with Swedish colleagues.

⚠️

Don't be a 'Know-it-all'

Proverbs can sound condescending. Use it with a smile or in a self-deprecating way about your own mistakes.

اختبر نفسك

Fill in the missing word in the proverb.

Den som ______ efter mycket mister ofta hela stycket.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: gapar

'Gapar' (to gape/open mouth wide) is the correct traditional verb used in this proverb.

Which situation best fits the proverb?

Erik has a good job but quits to start three different companies at once. All three fail.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: Den som gapar efter mycket mister ofta hela stycket.

Erik was over-ambitious and greedy, leading to the loss of his stable job and the failure of his new ventures.

Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.

A: Jag ska satsa alla mina pengar på det här nya kryptoprojektet! B: Gör inte det. Kom ihåg ordspråket: ________.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: Den som gapar efter mycket mister ofta hela stycket

The proverb is a perfect warning for someone taking a huge, greedy risk with their money.

What is the literal meaning of 'gapa'?

Vad betyder 'gapa' bokstavligt?

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: To open the mouth wide

'Gapa' refers to the physical act of opening one's mouth wide, often associated with birds or animals.

🎉 النتيجة: /4

وسائل تعلم بصرية

بنك التمارين

4 تمارين
Fill in the missing word in the proverb. Fill Blank A1

Den som ______ efter mycket mister ofta hela stycket.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: gapar

'Gapar' (to gape/open mouth wide) is the correct traditional verb used in this proverb.

Which situation best fits the proverb? situation_matching A2

Erik has a good job but quits to start three different companies at once. All three fail.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: Den som gapar efter mycket mister ofta hela stycket.

Erik was over-ambitious and greedy, leading to the loss of his stable job and the failure of his new ventures.

Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase. dialogue_completion B1

A: Jag ska satsa alla mina pengar på det här nya kryptoprojektet! B: Gör inte det. Kom ihåg ordspråket: ________.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: Den som gapar efter mycket mister ofta hela stycket

The proverb is a perfect warning for someone taking a huge, greedy risk with their money.

What is the literal meaning of 'gapa'? Choose A1

Vad betyder 'gapa' bokstavligt?

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: To open the mouth wide

'Gapa' refers to the physical act of opening one's mouth wide, often associated with birds or animals.

🎉 النتيجة: /4

الأسئلة الشائعة

5 أسئلة

Yes, though often ironically or in the shortened form. It's so deeply embedded in the language that everyone knows it.

No, it is almost exclusively used as a warning or a critique of a negative outcome.

Literally 'the piece.' In the context of the original fable, it was a piece of meat.

Yes, it's a professional way to warn against over-expansion or high-risk investments.

No. 'Tappar' means to drop something physically. 'Mister' means to lose possession of something.

عبارات ذات صلة

🔗

Girighet bedrar visheten

similar

Greed deceives wisdom.

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Mycket vill ha mer

similar

Much wants more.

🔗

Bättre en fågel i handen än tio i skogen

similar

Better one bird in the hand than ten in the forest.

🔗

Lagom är bäst

contrast

Enough is best.

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