Bedeutung
To politely say no to an offer.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Declining an offer of 'fika' (coffee and cake) can sometimes be seen as declining a social bond. It is best to 'tacka nej' with a specific reason like 'I just had coffee' to avoid sounding rude. In Swedish business culture, 'tacka nej' is used to maintain 'god ton' (good tone). Even if a proposal is bad, you 'tackar nej' to show respect for the effort. On Swedish Facebook, the button for 'Not Interested' or 'Not Attending' is often translated as 'Tacka nej'. This has made the phrase even more common in digital life. Swedes are known for being direct but avoiding 'unnecessary' conflict. 'Tacka nej' is the perfect tool for a 'soft' rejection on dating apps like Tinder.
The 'Till' Rule
Always remember the preposition 'till'. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Give a Reason
In Sweden, just saying 'Jag tackar nej' can be a bit short. Add a 'tyvärr' (unfortunately) or a reason to be extra polite.
Bedeutung
To politely say no to an offer.
The 'Till' Rule
Always remember the preposition 'till'. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Give a Reason
In Sweden, just saying 'Jag tackar nej' can be a bit short. Add a 'tyvärr' (unfortunately) or a reason to be extra polite.
Use in Emails
This is the perfect phrase for professional emails. It makes you sound fluent and respectful.
Don't over-thank
Don't say 'tacka nej tack'. The 'tack' is already built into the verb 'tacka'.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing preposition.
Jag vill tacka nej ____ inbjudan.
The phrasal verb 'tacka nej' always takes the preposition 'till'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to decline a job offer?
Välj det bästa alternativet:
'Tacka nej' is the standard polite way to decline an offer.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vill du ha mer tårta? B: Nej tack, jag måste ________.
Since B says 'Nej tack', they are declining the offer.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'Tacka nej till en dejt' with the correct emoji.
The rose represents a romantic situation like a date.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formal vs Informal Refusal
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenJag vill tacka nej ____ inbjudan.
The phrasal verb 'tacka nej' always takes the preposition 'till'.
Välj det bästa alternativet:
'Tacka nej' is the standard polite way to decline an offer.
A: Vill du ha mer tårta? B: Nej tack, jag måste ________.
Since B says 'Nej tack', they are declining the offer.
Match 'Tacka nej till en dejt' with the correct emoji.
The rose represents a romantic situation like a date.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
14 FragenIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, it's very common to 'tacka nej till mat' if you are full.
The past tense is 'tackade nej'.
Yes, 'nej tack' is what you say out loud. 'Tacka nej' is the verb phrase.
In Swedish grammar, you decline 'to' (till) something, not 'for' it.
No, it's actually the most polite way to say no.
You 'tackar nej' to an offer from a person, or an invitation. You don't 'tacka nej' to the person themselves.
Use 'Jag tackade ja'.
Yes, in particle verbs like this, the particle (nej) usually gets the stress.
Absolutely, it's the standard term for declining an offer.
It's a more formal synonym for 'tacka nej'.
No, that's redundant. Just say 'tacka nej'.
Yes, it is a standard Swedish phrase used everywhere.
Yes, 'tacka nej till en present' is possible, though rare in Sweden as it might be seen as rude.
Verwandte Redewendungen
tacka ja
contrastTo accept an offer.
avböja
synonymTo decline.
nobba
specialized formTo snub or reject.
säga nej
similarTo say no.
avslå
specialized formTo reject (an application).
