Signification
An event from the past.
Contexte culturel
Swedes value 'consensus' and moving forward. Bringing up 'gammal historia' in a negative way is often seen as 'un-Swedish' and socially awkward. In Finland-Swedish, the phrase is used similarly, but perhaps with a slightly more stoic tone, reflecting the 'Sisu' mindset of enduring and moving on. In Swedish offices, 'gammal historia' is used to maintain a positive, solution-oriented atmosphere. It helps avoid the 'blame game.' Politicians often use this phrase to dodge questions about past scandals, though journalists will often counter that it is 'relevant history.'
The 'Drop the Article' Rule
Remember to say 'gammal historia' without 'en' or 'den' when you mean 'water under the bridge.'
Don't be dismissive
Only use this for things that are truly old. Using it for something that happened an hour ago sounds sarcastic.
Signification
An event from the past.
The 'Drop the Article' Rule
Remember to say 'gammal historia' without 'en' or 'den' when you mean 'water under the bridge.'
Don't be dismissive
Only use this for things that are truly old. Using it for something that happened an hour ago sounds sarcastic.
Use with 'Äsch'
Starting your sentence with 'Äsch' (Oh/Meh) makes you sound very native when dismissing the past.
Conflict Resolution
This is your best friend in Sweden if you want to end an argument peacefully.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Vi är vänner nu, vårt bråk är ______ historia.
The idiom is 'gammal historia' (old history).
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly to mean 'it doesn't matter anymore'?
Select the correct sentence:
This sentence uses the figurative meaning of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Förlåt att jag kom för sent förra veckan. B: ____________________.
This is a common way to dismiss a minor past mistake.
Match the situation to the use of 'gammal historia'.
In which situation is 'gammal historia' MOST appropriate?
The phrase is used to show that a past conflict is no longer relevant.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Literal vs Idiomatic
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVi är vänner nu, vårt bråk är ______ historia.
The idiom is 'gammal historia' (old history).
Select the correct sentence:
This sentence uses the figurative meaning of the phrase.
A: Förlåt att jag kom för sent förra veckan. B: ____________________.
This is a common way to dismiss a minor past mistake.
In which situation is 'gammal historia' MOST appropriate?
The phrase is used to show that a past conflict is no longer relevant.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, but it's very harsh. Saying 'Han är gammal historia' means he is completely out of your life and you don't care about him anymore.
For the idiom, use the singular 'gammal historia.' The plural just means 'old stories' literally.
Not necessarily, but it usually refers to something that was once a problem or a big deal but isn't anymore.
You can say 'Det är ju från stenåldern!' (That's from the Stone Age!)
Yes, it's neutral enough for professional contexts when discussing past projects or resolved issues.
'Gammal historia' is more common in speech; 'vatten under broarna' is slightly more formal/poetic.
Yes, in Swedish the 'o' in 'historia' is always a long /uː/ sound.
No, that's not an idiom. You would just say 'något nytt' (something new).
Yes, if you are talking about a mistake that has been fixed.
Often, yes. It suggests that the 'file is closed' and no more anger remains.
In Swedish idioms, articles are often dropped to create a more abstract, categorical meaning.
It's better to say 'Det var länge sedan jag såg den.' 'Gammal historia' implies it was a significant event.
No, it is standard Swedish used by all age groups.
The verb 'vara' (är/var).
Expressions liées
Vatten under broarna
synonymWater under the bridge
Det var då det
similarThat was then
Preskriberat
specialized formPassed the statute of limitations
Glömt och förlåtet
builds onForgotten and forgiven
I forntiden
contrastIn ancient times
