When someone is skyldig, it means they are responsible for doing something wrong or committing a crime. It can also be used in a more general sense to mean owing someone something, like money or a favor.
For example, if you borrow money from a friend, you are skyldig them that money. If you break a rule, you might feel skyldig for your actions.
The word can be a bit formal in some contexts, especially when talking about legal matters, but it's also common in everyday speech.
§ What does 'skyldig' mean?
The Swedish word 'skyldig' is an adjective, and it directly translates to 'guilty' in English. It's a common word you'll encounter in various contexts, from legal discussions to everyday conversations about responsibilities and duties.
- DEFINITION
- guilty
However, 'skyldig' isn't just about legal guilt. It has a broader meaning that extends to being responsible for something, owing something (like money or an apology), or even being obligated to do something. Understanding these nuances is key to using it correctly.
§ When do people use 'skyldig'?
You'll hear 'skyldig' in a few main situations. Let's break them down:
- Legal Context: This is probably the most straightforward use. If someone has committed a crime and a court finds them responsible, they are 'skyldig'.
Han förklarades skyldig till stölden. (He was declared guilty of the theft.)
Är du skyldig eller oskyldig? (Are you guilty or innocent?)
- Owing Money or Favors: If you owe someone money, a favor, or an apology, 'skyldig' is the word you'll use. It implies a debt or an obligation.
Jag är dig en tjänst skyldig. (I owe you a favor.)
Du är mig 50 kronor skyldig. (You owe me 50 SEK.)
Jag är skyldig dig en ursäkt. (I owe you an apology.)
- Being Responsible for Something Negative: When something goes wrong and you want to say who is to blame, 'skyldig' comes in handy.
Vem är skyldig till röran? (Who is responsible for the mess? / Who is to blame for the mess?)
- Being Obligated/Required: In some cases, 'skyldig' can express a duty or obligation. This is less common but still relevant.
Vi är skyldiga att följa lagen. (We are obliged to follow the law.)
§ Common phrases with 'skyldig'
Here are some common phrases where 'skyldig' appears:
- Att känna sig skyldig: To feel guilty. This is about personal emotion.
Jag känner mig skyldig för att jag glömde hennes födelsedag. (I feel guilty for forgetting her birthday.)
- Att döma någon skyldig: To find someone guilty (in a legal sense).
Juryn dömde honom skyldig. (The jury found him guilty.)
- Skuld: This is the noun form of 'skyldig' and means 'guilt' or 'debt'.
Han bar på en tung skuld. (He carried a heavy guilt/debt.)
§ Variations of 'skyldig'
Like many Swedish adjectives, 'skyldig' changes depending on the gender and number of the noun it modifies. However, for 'skyldig', the form remains the same regardless of whether it's singular or plural, or common or neuter gender. This makes it a bit easier!
You might also see it used with definite articles or in comparative/superlative forms, though 'guilty' isn't typically compared in English in the same way. In Swedish, you could hypothetically say 'mer skyldig' (more guilty) or 'mest skyldig' (most guilty), but these are less common in everyday speech.
§ Practical tips for using 'skyldig'
To master 'skyldig', focus on understanding the context:
- If it's about a crime, think 'guilty'.
- If it's about money or a favor, think 'owing' or 'in debt'.
- If it's about who caused a problem, think 'responsible' or 'to blame'.
By paying attention to these different uses, you'll be able to confidently use 'skyldig' in a variety of Swedish conversations.
§ Understanding 'skyldig'
The Swedish word 'skyldig' directly translates to 'guilty' in English. It's an adjective, so it will describe a noun. You'll use it to say someone is guilty of a crime, a mistake, or even owing something.
- DEFINITION
- guilty
Han är skyldig till brottet. (He is guilty of the crime.)
Är du skyldig? (Are you guilty?)
§ 'Skyldig' for Guilt in Crimes/Mistakes
When talking about legal guilt or being responsible for a mistake, 'skyldig' is typically followed by the preposition 'till' (to/of). This combination is very common.
Domstolen fann honom skyldig till mord. (The court found him guilty of murder.)
Jag känner mig skyldig till misstaget. (I feel guilty about the mistake.)
§ 'Skyldig' for Owing Money or Favors
Interestingly, 'skyldig' can also mean 'to owe' or 'indebted'. In this context, it's often followed by a direct object (the thing owed) or the preposition 'någon' (someone) or 'för' (for).
Jag är skyldig dig femtio kronor. (I owe you fifty kronor.)
Du är skyldig mig en tjänst. (You owe me a favor.)
When specifying what you owe someone for, you can use 'för' (for).
Jag är skyldig dig en ursäkt för det jag sa. (I owe you an apology for what I said.)
§ Adjective Forms of 'skyldig'
Like many Swedish adjectives, 'skyldig' changes its form depending on the gender and number of the noun it describes. This is important for correct grammar.
- En-words (common gender): skyldig (e.g., en skyldig man - a guilty man)
- Ett-words (neuter gender): skyldigt (e.g., ett skyldigt samvete - a guilty conscience)
- Plural: skyldiga (e.g., de skyldiga personerna - the guilty persons)
Hon känner sig skyldig. (She feels guilty. - singular, en-word context)
Det är ett skyldigt nöje. (It is a guilty pleasure. - singular, ett-word)
Alla parter var skyldiga. (All parties were guilty. - plural)
§ Common Phrases with 'skyldig'
Here are a few more practical examples of 'skyldig' in common phrases:
- Att vara skyldig någon något: To owe someone something.
- Att känna sig skyldig: To feel guilty.
- Att förklara någon skyldig: To declare someone guilty.
Jag är skyldig dig ett tack. (I owe you a thank you.)
Han förklarades inte skyldig. (He was not declared guilty.)
By understanding these different uses and grammatical forms, you'll be able to confidently use 'skyldig' in various contexts, whether you're talking about legal matters, personal responsibility, or financial obligations. Keep practicing!
§ Understanding "Skyldig"
- DEFINITION
- The Swedish word "skyldig" is an adjective that primarily means "guilty." It can refer to legal guilt, moral guilt, or even a sense of being obligated or indebted.
When you're learning Swedish, understanding the nuances of similar words is key. "Skyldig" is a straightforward word for "guilty," but like in English, there are other ways to express related concepts. Let's break down when to use "skyldig" and when alternatives might be more appropriate.
§ Legal Guilt
This is the most common and direct use of "skyldig." If someone has committed a crime and a court has found them responsible, they are "skyldig."
Han förklarades skyldig till stöld.
Translation hint: He was declared (guilty) of theft.
Är du skyldig eller oskyldig?
Translation hint: Are you (guilty) or innocent?
§ Moral Guilt or Responsibility
"Skyldig" can also describe a feeling of moral responsibility or having done something wrong, even if it's not a legal matter.
Jag känner mig skyldig för att jag glömde hennes födelsedag.
Translation hint: I feel (guilty) for forgetting her birthday.
Vem är skyldig till det här misstaget?
Translation hint: Who is (responsible/guilty) for this mistake?
§ Being Indebted or Owed
This is an interesting extension of "skyldig" that doesn't have a direct parallel with "guilty" in English. It means to owe someone something, often money or a favor.
Jag är skyldig dig en tjänst.
Translation hint: I (owe) you a favor.
Hur mycket är jag skyldig dig?
Translation hint: How much do I (owe) you?
§ Alternatives to "Skyldig"
While "skyldig" covers a lot of ground, here are some other words and phrases you might encounter or want to use:
Ansvarig (responsible): This is a good alternative when you want to emphasize responsibility rather than blame or guilt for a negative outcome.
Vem är ansvarig för projektet?
Translation hint: Who is (responsible) for the project?
Brottslig (criminal): This adjective specifically refers to something being a crime or related to criminal activity. It describes the act, not necessarily the person's state of guilt.
Det var en brottslig handling.
Translation hint: It was a (criminal) act.
Att ha dåligt samvete (to have a bad conscience): This phrase is used when someone feels morally guilty or regretful about something they've done.
Jag har dåligt samvete för att jag ljög.
Translation hint: I (have a bad conscience/feel guilty) for lying.
Att stå till svars för (to be accountable for): This phrase emphasizes facing consequences or explaining one's actions.
Du måste stå till svars för dina handlingar.
Translation hint: You must (be accountable for) your actions.
In summary, "skyldig" is your go-to word for expressing guilt in a legal or moral sense, and also for indicating that someone owes something. For other situations, consider using words like "ansvarig" or phrases like "ha dåligt samvete" to be more precise in your Swedish. Keep practicing these distinctions, and you'll sound more natural in no time!
How Formal Is It?
"Domstolen fann mannen brottslig till dråp. (The court found the man guilty of manslaughter.)"
"Han är skyldig till brottet. (He is guilty of the crime.)"
"Vem är boven i dramat? (Who's the culprit in this drama?)"
"Vem var den busiga som tog kakorna? (Who was the naughty one who took the cookies?)"
"Han torskade för snatteri. (He got busted for shoplifting.)"
Beispiele nach Niveau
Han är skyldig.
He is guilty.
Är du skyldig?
Are you guilty?
Jag känner mig skyldig.
I feel guilty.
De är inte skyldiga.
They are not guilty.
Hon var skyldig.
She was guilty.
Vi är alla skyldiga.
We are all guilty.
Du är skyldig till brottet.
You are guilty of the crime.
Den skyldige måste straffas.
The guilty one must be punished.
Han är skyldig till brottet.
He is guilty of the crime.
Är du skyldig eller oskyldig?
Are you guilty or innocent?
Jag känner mig skyldig när jag inte hjälper till.
I feel guilty when I don't help.
De dömdes som skyldiga.
They were judged as guilty.
Vem är skyldig till detta?
Who is responsible (guilty) for this?
Hon var inte skyldig, men fick skulden.
She was not guilty, but got the blame.
Han erkände sig skyldig.
He pleaded guilty.
Jag är skyldig dig en tjänst.
I owe you a favor.
Here 'skyldig' means 'indebted' or 'owe'.
Han förklarades skyldig till bedrägeri efter en lång rättegång.
He was declared guilty of fraud after a long trial.
förklarades skyldig - declared guilty (passive voice)
Trots att bevisen var starka, hävdade hon att hon var oskyldig.
Despite strong evidence, she maintained she was innocent.
hävdade att hon var oskyldig - maintained she was innocent
Känner du dig skyldig för att du inte hörde av dig oftare?
Do you feel guilty for not contacting more often?
Känner du dig skyldig - Do you feel guilty?
Samhället betraktade honom som skyldig, även innan domen föll.
Society considered him guilty, even before the verdict.
betraktade honom som skyldig - considered him guilty
Hon kände en djup känsla av att vara skyldig efter att ha brutit sitt löfte.
She felt a deep sense of guilt after breaking her promise.
känsla av att vara skyldig - sense of being guilty
Är du skyldig mig pengar från förra månaden?
Do you owe me money from last month?
Är du skyldig mig pengar - Do you owe me money? (literal: Are you guilty to me money?)
Domstolen fann båda parter skyldiga till vårdslöshet i hanteringen av ärendet.
The court found both parties guilty of negligence in handling the case.
fann båda parter skyldiga - found both parties guilty
Det är viktigt att minnas att en person är oskyldig tills motsatsen bevisats skyldig.
It is important to remember that a person is innocent until proven guilty.
bevisats skyldig - proven guilty (passive infinitive)
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Noun: debt, guilt. 'Skuld' is the noun form of 'skyldig' in the sense of debt or guilt.
Noun: responsibility. This is the noun form of 'ansvarig'.
Noun: error, mistake. Also an adjective: wrong. Broader than 'skyldig' and generally without the moral/legal implication.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"känna sig skyldig"
to feel guilty
Jag känner mig skyldig för att jag glömde hennes födelsedag. (I feel guilty for forgetting her birthday.)
neutral"förklara sig skyldig"
to plead guilty
Den misstänkte valde att förklara sig skyldig. (The suspect chose to plead guilty.)
formal"skyldig som synden"
guilty as sin (very guilty)
Han såg skyldig ut som synden när jag frågade om kakorna. (He looked guilty as sin when I asked about the cookies.)
informal"inte vara skyldig någon något"
to not owe anyone anything
Efter allt han har gjort för mig, är jag skyldig honom en tjänst. (After all he's done for me, I owe him a favor.)
neutral"vara skyldig till något"
to be responsible for something (often negative)
Vem är skyldig till denna röra? (Who is responsible for this mess?)
neutral"bli skyldig"
to become indebted
Jag vill inte bli skyldig dem mer pengar. (I don't want to become indebted to them for more money.)
neutral"göra någon skyldig"
to make someone feel guilty
Du försöker bara göra mig skyldig. (You're just trying to make me feel guilty.)
neutral"skyldig till brott"
guilty of a crime
Domstolen fann honom skyldig till brott. (The court found him guilty of a crime.)
formal"känna sig mindre skyldig"
to feel less guilty
Att be om ursäkt hjälpte mig att känna mig mindre skyldig. (Apologizing helped me feel less guilty.)
neutral"den skyldige"
the culprit
Polisen letar efter den skyldige. (The police are looking for the culprit.)
neutralLeicht verwechselbar
Many English speakers learning Swedish confuse 'skyldig' with 'skuld' because they both relate to guilt or debt. However, 'skyldig' is an adjective meaning 'guilty' or 'indebted,' while 'skuld' is a noun meaning 'debt' or 'guilt.' They are related but serve different grammatical functions.
'Skyldig' describes a person or entity as being guilty or owing something. 'Skuld' is the state of being guilty or the amount owed.
Han är skyldig till brottet. (He is guilty of the crime.) Du är skyldig mig pengar. (You owe me money.)
'Ansvarig' means 'responsible,' which can sometimes be mistakenly used when 'skyldig' (guilty) is more appropriate, especially in legal contexts. While related, responsibility doesn't always imply guilt.
'Ansvarig' refers to having a duty or being accountable for something. 'Skyldig' specifically means culpable or owing.
Vem är ansvarig för projektet? (Who is responsible for the project?)
'Felaktig' means 'incorrect' or 'wrong,' which can be confused with 'skyldig' when someone is 'wrong' in the sense of making a mistake. However, 'felaktig' doesn't carry the same moral or legal weight as 'skyldig.'
'Felaktig' describes an error or something that is not right. 'Skyldig' describes someone who has committed an offense or owes something.
Svaret är felaktigt. (The answer is incorrect.)
'Brottslig' means 'criminal' (adjective), which is clearly related to guilt. The confusion arises when trying to decide whether to describe a person as 'skyldig' (guilty) or 'brottslig' (criminal).
'Brottslig' describes something as pertaining to a crime or being criminal in nature. 'Skyldig' describes a person's state of having committed a crime or having a debt.
Det var en brottslig handling. (It was a criminal act.)
This is a less common but still possible confusion due to similar sound and a very distant semantic link in some contexts. 'Bördig' means 'fertile' or 'native to a place,' which is completely different from 'skyldig.' The confusion would primarily stem from phonetic similarity for a new learner.
'Bördig' relates to origin or productivity of land. 'Skyldig' relates to guilt or debt.
Hon är bördig från Sverige. (She is native to Sweden.)
Tipps
Basic use of 'skyldig'
In its most common use, 'skyldig' means guilty. Think of it in a legal or moral sense.
Common Phrase: 'att vara skyldig'
The phrase 'att vara skyldig' means to be guilty. This is a very common construction.
'Skyldig' in court contexts
If someone is found guilty in court, you would say 'Han befanns skyldig.' (He was found guilty.)
When 'skyldig' means 'indebted'
'Skyldig' can also mean indebted or owing money. For example, 'Jag är skyldig dig pengar.' (I owe you money.)
Combining 'skyldig' with 'till'
When 'skyldig' refers to a crime, you often use 'till' afterwards. For example, 'Han är skyldig till brottet.' (He is guilty of the crime.)
No direct equivalent for 'responsible'
While 'guilty' implies responsibility, 'skyldig' isn't usually used to mean responsible in the sense of being in charge. For that, use 'ansvarig'.
Pronunciation practice for 'skyldig'
Pay attention to the 'y' sound in 'skyldig', which is similar to the 'u' in French 'tu' or German 'über'. The 'g' at the end is often soft, almost like a 'j' sound, or sometimes silent, especially in rapid speech. Practice saying 'skyl-dig' (approximately 'shool-dig').
Opposite of 'skyldig'
The opposite of 'skyldig' (guilty) is 'oskyldig' (innocent). Remember the 'o-' prefix often indicates negation in Swedish.
Context is key with 'skyldig'
Always consider the context to understand if 'skyldig' means guilty or owing. The surrounding words will usually make it clear.
Example sentence for 'owing'
Here's another example for 'owing': 'De är skyldiga banken mycket pengar.' (They owe the bank a lot of money.)
Teste dich selbst 36 Fragen
Write a sentence in Swedish saying 'The man is guilty.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mannen är skyldig.
Translate to Swedish: 'I am not guilty.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Jag är inte skyldig.
Form a simple Swedish sentence using 'skyldig' to describe someone who did something wrong.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Han är skyldig till brottet.
What did the man say?
Read this passage:
Polisen grep mannen. Han sa: 'Jag är inte skyldig!' Men bevisen var starka.
What did the man say?
The passage states 'Han sa: 'Jag är inte skyldig!'', which means 'He said: 'I am not guilty!'
The passage states 'Han sa: 'Jag är inte skyldig!'', which means 'He said: 'I am not guilty!'
What did the judge ask?
Read this passage:
Domaren frågade: 'Är du skyldig eller oskyldig?' Mannen svarade inte genast.
What did the judge ask?
The question 'Är du skyldig eller oskyldig?' translates to 'Are you guilty or innocent?'
The question 'Är du skyldig eller oskyldig?' translates to 'Are you guilty or innocent?'
How did she feel after breaking the rule?
Read this passage:
Hon kände sig skyldig efter att ha brutit mot regeln. Det var inte lätt att be om ursäkt.
How did she feel after breaking the rule?
The sentence 'Hon kände sig skyldig' means 'She felt guilty'.
The sentence 'Hon kände sig skyldig' means 'She felt guilty'.
Mannen erkände att han var ___ till brottet.
The sentence means 'The man admitted that he was guilty of the crime.' 'Skyldig' (guilty) fits the context of admitting to a crime.
Hon kände sig ___ för att hon hade glömt sin väns födelsedag.
The sentence means 'She felt guilty for forgetting her friend's birthday.' 'Skyldig' (guilty) is the correct word for feeling remorse or responsibility in this context.
Domstolen fann honom ___ på alla punkter.
The sentence means 'The court found him guilty on all counts.' 'Skyldig' (guilty) is the appropriate legal term here.
Även om bevisen var svaga, ansågs han ändå vara ___.
The sentence means 'Even though the evidence was weak, he was still considered guilty.' 'Skyldig' (guilty) completes the meaning of the sentence.
Hon kände sig ___ till att betala tillbaka skulden.
The sentence means 'She felt obliged/guilty to pay back the debt.' 'Skyldig' (guilty/indebted) works in this context, implying a moral or financial obligation.
Vem är ___ för att ha brutit fönstret?
The sentence means 'Who is guilty of breaking the window?' 'Skyldig' (guilty) is the most direct translation for asking who is to blame for an action.
This sentence means 'He felt guilty despite being innocent.' The word 'skyldig' (guilty) describes his feeling.
This question means 'Are you guilty of the crime or not?' 'Skyldig till' (guilty of) is a common collocation.
This sentence means 'The court found him guilty of theft.' This is a formal use of 'skyldig'.
He admitted guilt after careful consideration of the evidence.
Despite being convicted, she firmly maintained her innocence.
Do you owe me an explanation for your actions?
Read this aloud:
Jag känner mig skyldig för att jag inte kunde hjälpa till när det behövdes som mest.
Focus: skyldig
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Domstolen fann den åtalade skyldig på alla punkter, vilket ledde till ett långt fängelsestraff.
Focus: åtalade
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Att känna sig skyldig utan anledning kan vara en tung börda att bära.
Focus: börda
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence structure reflects a complex emotional state where legal innocence doesn't alleviate personal guilt. 'Trots frikännandet i rätten' (despite the acquittal in court) functions as a parenthetical phrase modifying the main clause.
This sentence expresses a nuance where, despite insufficient evidence ('Även om bevisen var knappa'), there's a strong impression of guilt regarding negligence ('verkade hon skyldig till försummelse'). The conjunction 'Även om' introduces a concessive clause.
This sentence is a more abstract statement about the burden of guilt. 'Att vara skyldig till sådana brott' (to be guilty of such crimes) acts as the subject of the sentence, followed by the predicate 'är en svår börda att bära' (is a heavy burden to bear).
Trots brist på konkreta bevis förblev hon ___ i allmänhetens ögon, vilket ledde till ett liv i isolering.
Context indicates public perception of guilt despite lack of evidence. 'Skyldig' (guilty) fits this nuanced meaning. 'Oskyldig' (innocent) is opposite, 'ansvarig' (responsible) doesn't convey guilt, and 'misstänkt' (suspected) is not as strong.
Han erkände sig ___ till bedrägeriet efter att ha konfronterats med överväldigande bevis som gjorde förnekande omöjligt.
The phrase 'erkände sig' (admitted oneself) combined with 'bedrägeriet' (the fraud) strongly points to an admission of guilt. 'Skyldig' (guilty) is the appropriate word. 'Fri' (free) is opposite, 'okunnig' (ignorant) doesn't fit admission, and 'ångerfull' (regretful) describes a feeling, not a legal status.
Domaren fann den tilltalade ___ på alla punkter, vilket resulterade i ett långt fängelsestraff.
In a legal context, 'fann någon skyldig' (found someone guilty) is the standard phrasing for a verdict. 'Ansvarig' (responsible) is close but less precise in a legal judgment of guilt. 'Klandervärd' (blameworthy) and 'syndig' (sinful) are moral judgments, not legal findings.
Hon kände sig djupt ___ över att ha svikit sina vänner, trots att handlingen var oavsiktlig och konsekvenserna lindriga.
The feeling of having 'svikit' (betrayed/let down) friends, even unintentionally, causes a strong sense of moral culpability, which 'skyldig' (guilty) conveys well in this emotional context. 'Ledsen' (sad) is too general, 'skamsen' (ashamed) is related but 'skyldig' captures the internal blame, and 'förvirrad' (confused) doesn't fit the feeling of betrayal.
Att ljuga för sina nära och kära lämnade honom med en överväldigande känsla av att vara ___.
Lying typically leads to a feeling of 'guilt', making 'skyldig' the correct choice. 'Upplyst' (enlightened), 'nöjd' (satisfied), and 'lättad' (relieved) are all positive or neutral feelings that do not align with the act of lying and its emotional aftermath.
Trots att polisen inte kunde bevisa hans inblandning, kände byborna honom fortfarande som den ___ personen bakom branden.
The sentence implies a strong public perception of guilt despite lack of legal proof, which 'skyldiga' (the guilty one/person) captures perfectly. 'Osäkra' (uncertain), 'misstänkta' (suspected, but 'skyldiga' is stronger for perceived guilt), and 'ovilliga' (unwilling) do not fit the context of being believed responsible for a crime.
/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
Basic use of 'skyldig'
In its most common use, 'skyldig' means guilty. Think of it in a legal or moral sense.
Common Phrase: 'att vara skyldig'
The phrase 'att vara skyldig' means to be guilty. This is a very common construction.
'Skyldig' in court contexts
If someone is found guilty in court, you would say 'Han befanns skyldig.' (He was found guilty.)
When 'skyldig' means 'indebted'
'Skyldig' can also mean indebted or owing money. For example, 'Jag är skyldig dig pengar.' (I owe you money.)
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr law Wörter
advokat
B1lawyer
anmoda
C1to urge, request, or summon formally
anspråk
B2claim or demand
avsiktlig
C1intentional, deliberate, or purposeful
avskräckande
C1deterrent or discouraging
avsägelse
C1renunciation, resignation or waiver
avtala
B2to reach a formal agreement
avtalsbrott
B2the failure to perform a contractual obligation
avtalsenlig
B2in accordance with a contract
avtalsrätt
C1contract law
