Signification
To let something pass that is usually forbidden.
Contexte culturel
Swedes value 'rättvisa' (justice/fairness) and 'likabehandling' (equal treatment). Making an exception is often seen as a significant favor because it breaks the principle that everyone should be treated the same. Government agencies like Skatteverket are known for being strict, but they often have 'särskilda skäl' (special reasons) clauses that allow for legal exceptions. Because of flat hierarchies, you can often negotiate exceptions directly with your boss without much ceremony, as long as you have a practical reason. If you are invited to a dinner and have a dietary restriction, a Swedish host will almost always 'göra ett undantag' and prepare something special for you, but it is polite to inform them well in advance.
The Power of 'Snälla'
When asking for an exception, always start with 'Snälla' (Please). It softens the request significantly in Swedish culture.
Don't Overuse It
If you ask for an exception too often, it stops being an exception and you might be seen as someone who doesn't respect rules.
Signification
To let something pass that is usually forbidden.
The Power of 'Snälla'
When asking for an exception, always start with 'Snälla' (Please). It softens the request significantly in Swedish culture.
Don't Overuse It
If you ask for an exception too often, it stops being an exception and you might be seen as someone who doesn't respect rules.
Use 'Särskilda skäl'
If you are dealing with Swedish authorities, use the phrase 'särskilda skäl' (special reasons) alongside 'göra ett undantag' to sound more persuasive.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form.
Igår ______ chefen ett undantag och lät oss gå hem tidigt.
The sentence refers to 'igår' (yesterday), so we need the past tense of 'göra'.
Which preposition is correct when referring to a rule?
Vi kan inte göra ett undantag ______ den här regeln.
In Swedish, you make an exception 'from' (från) a rule.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: A customer wants to return a shirt without a receipt.
This uses the correct verb and gender, and provides a logical condition.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kan jag få parkera här bara i fem minuter? B: Tyvärr, vi får inte ______.
When speaking generally about rules, the plural 'några undantag' is most natural.
Match the Swedish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the pairs.
These are standard translations of common 'undantag' phrases.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesIgår ______ chefen ett undantag och lät oss gå hem tidigt.
The sentence refers to 'igår' (yesterday), so we need the past tense of 'göra'.
Vi kan inte göra ett undantag ______ den här regeln.
In Swedish, you make an exception 'from' (från) a rule.
Situation: A customer wants to return a shirt without a receipt.
This uses the correct verb and gender, and provides a logical condition.
A: Kan jag få parkera här bara i fem minuter? B: Tyvärr, vi får inte ______.
When speaking generally about rules, the plural 'några undantag' is most natural.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are standard translations of common 'undantag' phrases.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, a government official, or your children.
Yes, but only in the plural or when speaking generally. 'Vi gör inga undantag' is correct.
'Undantag' is general. 'Dispens' is a formal, legal exemption, like a permit to build near water.
It's a fixed collocation. 'Skapa ett undantag' sounds very unnatural in Swedish.
You say 'utan undantag'. For example: 'Alla måste komma, utan undantag.'
Not if you have a good reason. Swedes are pragmatic, but they dislike 'cheating' the system without cause.
Yes! 'Jag gör ett undantag och äter pizza ikväll' is very common.
To 'följa reglerna strikt' (follow the rules strictly).
In 99% of modern cases, yes. Historically it had other meanings, but you don't need to worry about those.
Yes, adding 'litet' (small) makes the favor seem easier to grant.
Expressions liées
se mellan fingrarna
similarTo turn a blind eye.
undantaget som bekräftar regeln
builds onThe exception that proves the rule.
utan undantag
contrastWithout exception.
bevilja dispens
specialized formTo grant an exemption.
