Signification
Helping someone.
Contexte culturel
Swedes value 'självständighet' (independence). Asking for a favor is a sign of trust, but you should always offer a 'gentjänst' (return favor) to keep the social balance. In Swedish offices, 'platt organisation' (flat hierarchy) means even a boss might ask an intern to 'göra en tjänst' rather than giving a direct order. In smaller towns, the concept of 'grannsamverkan' (neighborly cooperation) is built on a constant stream of small favors. Younger Swedes might use 'fixa' or 'lösa' more often, but 'göra en tjänst' remains the standard for anything requiring real effort.
Use 'liten'
Always add 'liten' (small) when asking for a favor to make it sound less demanding: 'Kan du göra mig en liten tjänst?'
Avoid 'Björntjänst'
Never use 'björntjänst' to thank someone unless you are being sarcastic!
Signification
Helping someone.
Use 'liten'
Always add 'liten' (small) when asking for a favor to make it sound less demanding: 'Kan du göra mig en liten tjänst?'
Avoid 'Björntjänst'
Never use 'björntjänst' to thank someone unless you are being sarcastic!
The Return Favor
If someone does you a favor, try to find a way to do one back within a month to maintain social standing.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the correct form.
Kan du göra mig en ______ och hämta kaffet?
The standard collocation is 'göra någon en tjänst'.
Which sentence is a 'björntjänst'?
Vad är en björntjänst?
A 'björntjänst' is a favor that seems helpful but has negative consequences.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tack för att du passade hunden! B: Inga problem! Du kan göra mig en ______ nästa vecka istället.
A 'gentjänst' is a return favor, which fits the context of returning help.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You need a ride to the airport.
This is a direct request for a favor.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Tjänst vs. Björntjänst
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKan du göra mig en ______ och hämta kaffet?
The standard collocation is 'göra någon en tjänst'.
Vad är en björntjänst?
A 'björntjänst' is a favor that seems helpful but has negative consequences.
A: Tack för att du passade hunden! B: Inga problem! Du kan göra mig en ______ nästa vecka istället.
A 'gentjänst' is a return favor, which fits the context of returning help.
Situation: You need a ride to the airport.
This is a direct request for a favor.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Hjälpa' is the verb 'to help'. 'Göra en tjänst' is the noun-based phrase 'to do a favor'. They are often interchangeable.
It's better to say 'göra mig en tjänst' or 'göra en tjänst åt mig'.
It's a favor that backfires and causes problems for the person you tried to help.
Use the word 'gentjänst'. 'Jag ska göra dig en gentjänst'.
It is 'en tjänst'.
Yes, it is very common in professional emails: 'Skulle du kunna göra mig en tjänst...'
Not with money, but socially it's polite to return the favor eventually.
That's a legal/professional term for making a serious mistake at work. Not related to favors!
Yes, adding 'stor' (big) is very common for significant help.
Politely say: 'Jag skulle gärna hjälpa till, men jag har inte tid just nu.'
Yes, 'i tjänst' means 'on duty' (like a police officer).
Expressions liées
Gentjänst
builds onA return favor
Björntjänst
specialized formA well-intentioned favor that causes harm
Stå till tjänst
similarTo be at someone's service
Be om en tjänst
similarTo ask for a favor
Tjänstvillig
relatedHelpful/willing to serve
