Significado
Asking for the time.
Contexto cultural
Punctuality is a core value. If you ask for the time, expect a very precise answer (e.g., 'den är tre minuter i fem'). The 'Academic Quarter' (akademisk kvart) means things start 15 mins late, but only in specific university contexts. Asking 'Vad är klockan?' at a party after 10 PM is often a polite 'Swedish' way of saying you need to go home. Swedes are early adopters of technology; almost everyone uses their phone for the time, yet the phrase 'Vad är klockan?' remains unchanged.
The 'Hon' Variation
In some dialects, people refer to the clock as 'hon' (she). You might hear 'Vad är hon?' instead of 'Vad är klockan?'.
Punctuality is Key
If you ask the time and realize you're late, apologize immediately. Swedes take lateness personally!
Significado
Asking for the time.
The 'Hon' Variation
In some dialects, people refer to the clock as 'hon' (she). You might hear 'Vad är hon?' instead of 'Vad är klockan?'.
Punctuality is Key
If you ask the time and realize you're late, apologize immediately. Swedes take lateness personally!
Ponte a prueba
Complete the standard question to ask for the time.
Vad ___ klockan?
The verb 'är' (is) is used to link the question word to the subject 'klockan'.
Which of these is a common and correct way to ask the time in Swedish?
Select the correct phrase:
'Hur mycket är klockan?' is a very common alternative to 'Vad är klockan?'.
Fill in the missing line in this polite interaction.
A: Ursäkta, vet du vad klockan är? B: Ja, ________.
When answering, we use 'den' to refer back to 'klockan' (an 'en-word').
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Phrase: 'Oj, vad är klockan egentligen?!'
The addition of 'egentligen' and 'oj' indicates surprise or shock.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Ways to ask the time
Standard
- • Vad är klockan?
- • Hur mycket är klockan?
Polite
- • Vet du vad klockan är?
- • Ursäkta, har du en klocka?
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosVad ___ klockan?
The verb 'är' (is) is used to link the question word to the subject 'klockan'.
Select the correct phrase:
'Hur mycket är klockan?' is a very common alternative to 'Vad är klockan?'.
A: Ursäkta, vet du vad klockan är? B: Ja, ________.
When answering, we use 'den' to refer back to 'klockan' (an 'en-word').
Phrase: 'Oj, vad är klockan egentligen?!'
The addition of 'egentligen' and 'oj' indicates surprise or shock.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it's very common. Just add 'Ursäkta' (Excuse me) at the beginning to be polite.
Because you are asking about 'the' clock (the specific time right now), so you use the definite form.
It depends on the region, but both are equally understood and very frequent.
Start with 'Den är...' (It is...) followed by the time, e.g., 'Den är fem'.
No, they use the 24-hour clock for writing and context for speaking.
Use 'Vilken tid är mötet?' or 'När är mötet?'.
It's neutral. It works in both formal and informal settings.
It literally means 'the bell' or 'the clock'.
Usually, in an email, you'd be more specific, like 'Jag undrar vilken tid...'.
In natural, spoken Swedish, yes, it is almost always silent.
Frases relacionadas
Hur mycket är klockan?
synonymHow much is the clock?
Hur dags?
similarAt what time?
Klockan slår
builds onThe clock strikes
I tid
relatedOn time
