Signification
To depart or start a journey.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is deeply linked to 'Allemansrätten' (The Right of Public Access). Swedes 'ger sig av' into the woods with the expectation that they can roam freely. When leaving a social gathering, it is polite to announce your departure clearly. 'Ge sig av' is the standard way to do this without sounding abrupt. In Swedish children's literature (like Astrid Lindgren), characters often 'ger sig av' on adventures, emphasizing independence and bravery. In cities like Stockholm, 'ge sig av' is used for the daily commute, though 'dra' is more common among younger commuters.
Stress the 'AV'
To sound like a native, make sure the word 'av' is louder and longer than 'ge' and 'sig'.
Reflexive Agreement
Always double-check that your pronoun matches your subject. 'Vi' and 'sig' never go together!
Signification
To depart or start a journey.
Stress the 'AV'
To sound like a native, make sure the word 'av' is louder and longer than 'ge' and 'sig'.
Reflexive Agreement
Always double-check that your pronoun matches your subject. 'Vi' and 'sig' never go together!
Polite Exits
Use this phrase when you want to leave a party politely. It signals that you enjoyed yourself but it's time to go.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun (mig, dig, sig, oss, er).
Vi måste ge ___ av nu om vi ska hinna.
The subject is 'Vi' (we), so the reflexive pronoun must be 'oss' (ourselves).
Choose the correct past tense form of the phrase.
De ___ av tidigt i morse.
'Gav' is the preterite (past) tense of 'ge'.
Match the sentence to the most likely situation.
Sentence: 'Ska vi ge oss av mot fjällen nu?'
'Fjällen' refers to the Swedish mountains, a common place to 'ge sig av' to.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: Är du klar? B: Ja, jag ___ av precis nu.
The speaker is 'jag', so 'ger mig' is the correct present tense reflexive form.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVi måste ge ___ av nu om vi ska hinna.
The subject is 'Vi' (we), so the reflexive pronoun must be 'oss' (ourselves).
De ___ av tidigt i morse.
'Gav' is the preterite (past) tense of 'ge'.
Sentence: 'Ska vi ge oss av mot fjällen nu?'
'Fjällen' refers to the Swedish mountains, a common place to 'ge sig av' to.
A: Är du klar? B: Ja, jag ___ av precis nu.
The speaker is 'jag', so 'ger mig' is the correct present tense reflexive form.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's neutral. You can use it in almost any situation, from talking to friends to writing a business email.
Yes, but 'lämnar' usually needs an object (e.g., 'Jag lämnar festen'). 'Jag ger mig av' stands on its own.
They are 99% interchangeable. 'Iväg' sometimes feels like a longer or more permanent departure.
Use the preterite: 'Jag gav mig av'.
Usually, we say 'Bussen går' or 'Bussen avgår'. 'Ge sig av' is mostly for people or groups of people.
No! It changes to mig, dig, oss, or er depending on who is leaving.
No, that is 'ge upp'. Don't mix them up!
Yes, it's very common to text 'Jag ger mig av nu' (I'm heading out now).
Yes, a boss might say 'Nu måste jag ge mig av till ett möte'.
Forgetting the reflexive pronoun (mig/dig/sig) is the #1 error for learners.
Expressions liées
ge sig iväg
synonymTo set off / head out
bege sig
similarTo proceed / go to
dra
informalTo leave / split
avvika
specialized formTo depart / deviate
ge upp
contrastTo give up
