المعنى
To distinguish the good from the bad.
خلفية ثقافية
The phrase is deeply linked to the Lutheran work ethic, where quality and diligence are highly valued. Even in modern, secular Sweden, the idea of a 'test' that reveals true character is a common narrative trope. Before industrialization, winnowing was a communal activity in Swedish villages. The imagery of wind separating grain was something every Swede understood firsthand until the late 19th century. The phrase comes from the Swedish translation of the Bible (Gustav Vasas bibel, 1541). It has been part of the Swedish language for nearly 500 years. In Swedish corporate culture, which often avoids direct conflict, this idiom provides a 'safe' metaphorical way to discuss performance issues or the need for layoffs.
Use the Passive Voice
Using 'agnarna skiljs från vetet' (passive) often sounds more natural and objective in professional reports than the active 'vi skiljer...'
Don't Overuse
Because it's a strong idiom, using it too often can make your speech sound cliché or overly dramatic.
المعنى
To distinguish the good from the bad.
Use the Passive Voice
Using 'agnarna skiljs från vetet' (passive) often sounds more natural and objective in professional reports than the active 'vi skiljer...'
Don't Overuse
Because it's a strong idiom, using it too often can make your speech sound cliché or overly dramatic.
Biblical but Secular
Don't worry about sounding religious. Most Swedes don't even associate it with the Bible anymore; it's just a standard part of the professional lexicon.
اختبر نفسك
Fyll i de ord som saknas i uttrycket.
Det här provet kommer verkligen att skilja _______ från _______.
Det korrekta uttrycket är 'skilja agnarna från vetet'.
Vilken mening använder uttrycket på ett naturligt sätt?
Välj rätt alternativ:
Uttrycket används bäst i sammanhang som rör prestation och kvalitet.
Matcha situationen med rätt användning av uttrycket.
En chef pratar om en svår rekrytering.
Att skilja agnarna från vetet handlar om att välja ut de bästa kandidaterna.
Slutför dialogen.
A: 'Det är så många som vill bli piloter.' B: 'Ja, men de medicinska testerna brukar...'
Testerna fungerar som ett filter för att hitta de mest lämpade.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينDet här provet kommer verkligen att skilja _______ från _______.
Det korrekta uttrycket är 'skilja agnarna från vetet'.
Välj rätt alternativ:
Uttrycket används bäst i sammanhang som rör prestation och kvalitet.
En chef pratar om en svår rekrytering.
Att skilja agnarna från vetet handlar om att välja ut de bästa kandidaterna.
A: 'Det är så många som vill bli piloter.' B: 'Ja, men de medicinska testerna brukar...'
Testerna fungerar som ett filter för att hitta de mest lämpade.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, outside of this idiom and agricultural contexts, 'agnar' is rarely used. Most Swedes only know the word because of this phrase.
Yes, it is most commonly used for people (candidates, athletes, students) to describe their skill level.
Yes, it implies you are the 'chaff'—the part that is thrown away because it lacks value. Use it carefully!
'Skilja' is the traditional verb for this idiom. 'Separera' sounds more technical and is rarely used in this specific phrase.
Technically yes, but it sounds 'backwards'. The standard order is always chaff (agnar) from wheat (vete).
Very often! Especially in financial news when a market bubble bursts.
It is generally neutral-to-positive for the 'wheat' (the survivors) and negative for the 'chaff' (those who fail).
Sometimes people just say 'nu skiljs agnarna från vetet' to mean 'now comes the real test'.
The 'g' is silent/nasal. It sounds like 'ANG-nar'.
Yes, it is a B2/C1 level phrase that fits well in professional writing.
عبارات ذات صلة
vaska fram guldet
similarTo find the valuable 'gold' among less valuable material.
dra alla över en kam
contrastTo treat everyone the same, regardless of differences.
hålla måttet
builds onTo measure up to a standard.
gallra ut
synonymTo weed out or thin out.
