Signification
To attempt to do something new.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the Swedish value of 'humbly trying'. It's common to use it when starting something like 'surdegsbakning' (sourdough baking), which became a huge cultural trend. In Swedish workplaces, 'försöka sig på' is used to describe 'pilot projects' or experimental strategies, showing a culture that values testing before full implementation. Swedes take pride in doing things themselves. Using this phrase when fixing a house or car shows you are taking the task seriously but aren't overconfident.
The 'Newness' Rule
Always use this phrase when you want to emphasize that you are a beginner. It buys you 'social grace' if you fail!
Reflexive Matching
Double-check your pronouns! 'Vi försöker oss på' is the most common place where learners slip up.
Signification
To attempt to do something new.
The 'Newness' Rule
Always use this phrase when you want to emphasize that you are a beginner. It buys you 'social grace' if you fail!
Reflexive Matching
Double-check your pronouns! 'Vi försöker oss på' is the most common place where learners slip up.
Modesty is Key
Using this phrase makes you sound more 'Swedish' because it avoids sounding overconfident.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun.
Vi vill försöka ___ på att bygga en egen båt.
The subject is 'Vi' (we), so the reflexive pronoun must be 'oss' (ourselves).
Which sentence is most natural for a new hobby?
Jag vill börja med keramik.
The full expression 'försöka [reflexive] på [noun]' is the standard way to describe taking on a new hobby.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ska du springa maraton? B: Ja, jag tänkte ___.
Running a marathon is a challenge, so 'försöka mig på det' is the perfect idiomatic fit.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Försöka sig på'
Hobbies
- • Painting
- • Cooking
- • Knitting
Sports
- • Marathon
- • Yoga
- • Surfing
Career
- • Politics
- • Management
- • Coding
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesVi vill försöka ___ på att bygga en egen båt.
The subject is 'Vi' (we), so the reflexive pronoun must be 'oss' (ourselves).
Jag vill börja med keramik.
The full expression 'försöka [reflexive] på [noun]' is the standard way to describe taking on a new hobby.
A: Ska du springa maraton? B: Ja, jag tänkte ___.
Running a marathon is a challenge, so 'försöka mig på det' is the perfect idiomatic fit.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, use 'prova' or 'smaka'. Using 'försöka sig på' for food sounds like the food is a dangerous opponent.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business meeting.
'Försöka' is a general 'try'. 'Försöka sig på' is specifically for attempting a new or difficult task/skill.
Only if a verb follows. 'Försöka sig på piano' (noun) vs 'Försöka sig på att spela piano' (verb).
Expressions liées
ge sig på
similarTo tackle or attack a task.
prova på
similarTo sample or test out.
ta sig an
builds onTo take on a responsibility.
våga sig på
specialized formTo dare to attempt.
