Significado
Greeting someone you haven't seen in ages.
Contexto cultural
Swedes value their personal space, but 'Det var länge sedan' is a socially acceptable way to break the ice and show that you remember someone without being intrusive. In professional settings, this phrase is often used to soften the start of a meeting or email, bridging the gap between 'business' and 'personal' connection. In smaller towns, this phrase might be used even if it's only been a few weeks, whereas in Stockholm, 'länge' might imply several months or years. This phrase is the ultimate invitation starter. It's almost always followed by an invitation to 'fika' (have coffee and a snack) to catch up properly.
Use 'sen' for instant fluency
Always use 'sen' instead of 'sedan' when speaking to sound like a native.
Don't use with strangers
It implies you've met before. Using it with a stranger is confusing.
Significado
Greeting someone you haven't seen in ages.
Use 'sen' for instant fluency
Always use 'sen' instead of 'sedan' when speaking to sound like a native.
Don't use with strangers
It implies you've met before. Using it with a stranger is confusing.
The 'Fika' Rule
If you say this, be prepared to actually spend 5-10 minutes catching up. It's not just a 'passing' greeting.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word to complete the greeting.
Hej Anna! Det ___ länge sedan!
In Swedish, we use the past tense 'var' for this expression.
Which of these is the most natural way to say 'Long time no see' to a close friend?
Select the best option:
'Länge sen!' is the common, natural, and informal way to greet a friend.
Complete the dialogue between two former colleagues.
Anders: Hej! Är det du, Maria? Maria: Ja, hej Anders! __________!
Since they are former colleagues, they haven't seen each other in a while, making 'Det var länge sedan' the correct greeting.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You haven't seen your cousin in three years. What do you say?
This phrase is specifically used for reunions after a long time.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
When to use 'Det var länge sedan'
Social
- • Old friends
- • Relatives
- • Former neighbors
Professional
- • Ex-colleagues
- • Former clients
- • Old classmates
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosHej Anna! Det ___ länge sedan!
In Swedish, we use the past tense 'var' for this expression.
Select the best option:
'Länge sen!' is the common, natural, and informal way to greet a friend.
Anders: Hej! Är det du, Maria? Maria: Ja, hej Anders! __________!
Since they are former colleagues, they haven't seen each other in a while, making 'Det var länge sedan' the correct greeting.
You haven't seen your cousin in three years. What do you say?
This phrase is specifically used for reunions after a long time.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but it sounds slightly incomplete. 'Länge sen!' is much more common as a short version.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Usually at least a few months. Using it after only a week sounds sarcastic.
'Sedan' is the formal/written form, 'sen' is the spoken form. They mean the same thing.
Yes, it's a very common way to start an email to someone you haven't contacted in a while.
Always 'Det var' for this specific greeting.
Just say 'Hej! Det var länge sedan!' It's a great way to hide that you've forgotten their name.
You could say 'Det var en lång tid sedan vi sågs,' but it's rarely necessary.
Yes, 'Det var länge sedan sist' is very common and means 'It's been a long time since last time.'
Absolutely. It's a standard way to start a call with an old friend.
Frases relacionadas
Det var inte igår
synonymIt wasn't yesterday
Det var ett tag sedan
similarIt was a while ago
Sist vi sågs
builds onLast time we saw each other
Hur är läget?
similarHow's the situation?
Kul att se dig!
similarGreat to see you!
