Bedeutung
Asking for clarification.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Swedes often use 'Hur menar du?' as a way to avoid direct disagreement. Instead of saying 'I disagree,' they ask for clarification to find common ground. In Finland-Swedish, the tone can be even more direct. 'Vad menar du?' might be used more sparingly in social situations to avoid appearing confrontational. In Swedish offices, 'Vad menar du?' is a standard tool for 'förankring' (anchoring), ensuring everyone supports a decision before it's made. On Swedish Twitter or Flashback, 'Vad menar du?' is often used as a 'gotcha' question to point out logical fallacies.
The 'Hur' Hack
If you want to sound more like a native, use 'Hur menar du?' instead of 'Vad menar du?'. It sounds more curious and less like a demand.
Watch the Tone
Don't stress the word 'Vad' too hard, or you'll sound angry. Keep the melody flat or rising at the end.
Bedeutung
Asking for clarification.
The 'Hur' Hack
If you want to sound more like a native, use 'Hur menar du?' instead of 'Vad menar du?'. It sounds more curious and less like a demand.
Watch the Tone
Don't stress the word 'Vad' too hard, or you'll sound angry. Keep the melody flat or rising at the end.
The Fika Rule
During fika, this phrase is your best friend. It keeps the conversation going without you having to speak too much!
Med det
Always add 'med det' (with that) if you want to be very specific about a previous statement.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct phrase to ask a person what they mean.
Person A: 'Det här är inte bra.' Person B: '_______?'
Since you are asking a person (Person A) about their statement, 'Vad menar du' is the correct choice.
Fill in the missing verb in the past tense.
Jag förstod inte igår. Vad _______ du då?
The sentence refers to 'igår' (yesterday), so we need the past tense 'menade'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Which phrase fits best in a formal meeting?
'Hur menar du?' is slightly softer and more professional than the others.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Sverige är ett lagom land.' B: 'Vad _______ du _______ lagom?'
The construction is 'Vad menar du med [någonting]'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Mena vs. Betyda
When to use 'Vad menar du?'
Confusion
- • New words
- • Fast speech
- • Slang
Clarification
- • Instructions
- • Dates/Times
- • Opinions
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenPerson A: 'Det här är inte bra.' Person B: '_______?'
Since you are asking a person (Person A) about their statement, 'Vad menar du' is the correct choice.
Jag förstod inte igår. Vad _______ du då?
The sentence refers to 'igår' (yesterday), so we need the past tense 'menade'.
Which phrase fits best in a formal meeting?
'Hur menar du?' is slightly softer and more professional than the others.
A: 'Sverige är ett lagom land.' B: 'Vad _______ du _______ lagom?'
The construction is 'Vad menar du med [någonting]'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, it is perfectly neutral. Just add 'ursäkta' (excuse me) to be extra polite.
'Mena' is for people's intentions. 'Betyda' is for the meaning of words or things.
'Vadå?' is a very informal version. Use it only with friends or family.
No, use 'Vad tycker du?' for opinions.
Say 'Vad menar du med det?'.
Not at all! It shows you are listening and want to understand.
It's a soft, slightly rolled 'r', but in many dialects, it's almost silent when followed by 'du'.
Yes! You can say 'Jag menar...' just like in English.
The past tense is 'menade'.
Yes, 'Vad avser du?' or 'Hur ska detta förstås?'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Vad betyder det?
similarWhat does that mean?
Hur menar du?
synonymHow do you mean?
Vad syftar du på?
specialized formWhat are you referring to?
Vad vill du ha sagt?
similarWhat are you trying to say?
Jag hänger inte med.
builds onI'm not following.
