Signification
To reduce one's pace.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is deeply linked to the 'Slow Living' movement in Sweden, which gained popularity as a reaction to the high stress of the 90s and 2000s. Swedish managers often use this phrase during 'medarbetarsamtal' (employee reviews) if they notice a worker is showing signs of stress. In Swedish long-distance running (like the Vasaloppet), 'dra ner på tempot' is a strategic advice to ensure one doesn't 'hit the wall' (gå in i väggen). While it's an idiom now, it's still used literally in Swedish music education and orchestras.
The 'På' Rule
Always remember the 'på'. Without it, you sound like you are literally pulling a physical object.
Not for Volume
Never use this for your TV or phone volume. Use 'sänka' instead.
Signification
To reduce one's pace.
The 'På' Rule
Always remember the 'på'. Without it, you sound like you are literally pulling a physical object.
Not for Volume
Never use this for your TV or phone volume. Use 'sänka' instead.
Workplace Etiquette
In Sweden, suggesting someone 'dra ner på tempot' is a sign of empathy, not a criticism of their work ethic.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the sentence.
Läkaren sa att jag måste dra ___ ___ tempot.
The correct phrasal verb is 'dra ner på'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a friend to slow down their life?
Din vän jobbar 80 timmar i veckan. Vad säger du?
'Dra ner på tempot' is the standard idiom for reducing life stress.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the verb 'dra'.
A: Varför kom du sent till löpningen? B: Jag ___ ner på tempot för att jag fick ont i knät.
The sentence is in the past tense, so 'drog' is the correct form.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Match 'Dra ner på tempot' with its best context:
It is used for physical speed like running.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Dra ner på vs. Sänka
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesLäkaren sa att jag måste dra ___ ___ tempot.
The correct phrasal verb is 'dra ner på'.
Din vän jobbar 80 timmar i veckan. Vad säger du?
'Dra ner på tempot' is the standard idiom for reducing life stress.
A: Varför kom du sent till löpningen? B: Jag ___ ner på tempot för att jag fick ont i knät.
The sentence is in the past tense, so 'drog' is the correct form.
Match 'Dra ner på tempot' with its best context:
It is used for physical speed like running.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's understandable but redundant. Just say 'sakta ner' or 'dra ner på tempot'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The opposite is 'öka tempot' (increase the pace) or 'skruva upp tempot'.
Yes, but 'sakta ner' is more common when driving.
No, it means 'reduce'. If you say 'dra ner på socker', it means 'reduce sugar'.
Because you are referring to 'the' pace of the current situation. It's almost always in the definite form.
Yes, it's the action you take to achieve a 'lagom' lifestyle.
Yes, if a relationship is moving too fast, you can say 'Vi kanske borde dra ner på tempot'.
'Dra ner' is more idiomatic for pace/lifestyle; 'sänka' is for measurable levels like volume, heat, or prices.
Dra, drar, drog, dragit. It's an irregular strong verb.
Expressions liées
sakta ner
synonymTo slow down
varva ner
similarTo wind down
dra ner på
builds onTo reduce (something)
öka tempot
contrastTo speed up
ta det lugnt
similarTake it easy
