Signification
Having an impact.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'dugnad' (though more Norwegian, the Swedish 'frivilligarbete' is similar) is where 'göra skillnad' lives. Swedes value collective effort for the common good. Greta Thunberg's 'Skolstrejk för klimatet' is the ultimate modern Swedish example of 'göra skillnad'. It shows that one person can impact the world. Swedish companies often use 'göra skillnad' in their 'värdegrund' (core values) to attract Gen Z employees who prioritize purpose over salary. In the Swedish welfare state, healthcare workers are often described in media as those who 'gör skillnad varje dag', emphasizing their social value.
Drop the 'en'
If you want to sound more like a native Swede, try saying 'göra skillnad' without the 'en'. It sounds more natural and less like a translation from English.
Don't use for 'making a bed'
Remember, 'göra' is 'make', but Swedish uses specific verbs for specific tasks. 'Göra skillnad' is only for impact!
Signification
Having an impact.
Drop the 'en'
If you want to sound more like a native Swede, try saying 'göra skillnad' without the 'en'. It sounds more natural and less like a translation from English.
Don't use for 'making a bed'
Remember, 'göra' is 'make', but Swedish uses specific verbs for specific tasks. 'Göra skillnad' is only for impact!
The Power of 'Stor'
Adding 'stor' (big) makes this a very powerful compliment. Use it when you really mean it!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'göra'.
Igår _______ han stor skillnad genom att hjälpa till i soppköket.
The sentence starts with 'Igår' (yesterday), so we need the past tense 'gjorde'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'It doesn't matter'?
Välj rätt alternativ:
'Det gör ingen skillnad' is the standard idiomatic way to say something doesn't matter or change the outcome.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Tack för din hjälp! B: Det var så lite. Jag vill bara _______.
'Göra skillnad' is the correct collocation for having a positive impact.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
Match: 'Det gör hela skillnaden.'
'Hela skillnaden' implies that this one thing is the key to success or a major change.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIgår _______ han stor skillnad genom att hjälpa till i soppköket.
The sentence starts with 'Igår' (yesterday), so we need the past tense 'gjorde'.
Välj rätt alternativ:
'Det gör ingen skillnad' is the standard idiomatic way to say something doesn't matter or change the outcome.
A: Tack för din hjälp! B: Det var så lite. Jag vill bara _______.
'Göra skillnad' is the correct collocation for having a positive impact.
Match: 'Det gör hela skillnaden.'
'Hela skillnaden' implies that this one thing is the key to success or a major change.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it's not wrong, but it's an anglicism. 'Göra skillnad' is the traditional Swedish form.
Usually, it implies a positive impact. If the impact is negative, we usually say 'få negativa konsekvenser' (have negative consequences).
'Påverka' is a neutral verb meaning 'to affect'. 'Göra skillnad' is an idiom that usually implies a meaningful or helpful change.
You say 'Det gjorde hela skillnaden'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your friends or in a speech to the King.
Expressions liées
Spela roll
similarTo matter or play a part.
Ha betydelse
synonymTo have significance.
Sätta spår
builds onTo leave a mark/lasting impression.
Påverka
specialized formTo influence or affect.
