Signification
Maintaining physical space.
Contexte culturel
The 'Swedish bus stop' is a global meme. Swedes naturally keep a large distance from strangers. 'Hålla avstånd' is a social norm, not just a rule. Sweden's 'Vision Zero' makes 'hålla avstånd' a legal and moral priority. Tailgating is highly frowned upon and can lead to heavy fines. During the pandemic, Sweden did not have a strict lockdown, but the phrase 'Håll avstånd' was everywhere, relying on 'folkvett' (common sense). In Swedish offices, 'hålla avstånd' can also mean respecting someone's 'fika' time or not hovering over their desk.
The 3-Second Rule
In Sweden, use 'hålla avstånd' when talking about the 'tresekundersregeln' (3-second rule) in driving.
Preposition Alert
Always use 'till', never 'från', when specifying the object you are distancing from.
Signification
Maintaining physical space.
The 3-Second Rule
In Sweden, use 'hålla avstånd' when talking about the 'tresekundersregeln' (3-second rule) in driving.
Preposition Alert
Always use 'till', never 'från', when specifying the object you are distancing from.
Politeness
Asking someone to 'hålla avstånd' is not rude in Sweden; it's considered a reasonable request for safety.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'hålla'.
Igår ____ jag avstånd till alla i affären.
'Igår' (yesterday) requires the past tense 'höll'.
Which preposition is correct?
Du måste hålla avstånd ____ bilen framför.
In Swedish, you keep distance 'to' (till) something.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Varför står du så långt bort? B: Jag försöker ____.
'Hålla avstånd' explains why someone is standing far away.
Match the sign to the location.
Where would you most likely see 'Håll avstånd - 2 meter'?
Floor stickers in supermarkets are the most common place for this specific sign.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Avstånd vs. Distans
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIgår ____ jag avstånd till alla i affären.
'Igår' (yesterday) requires the past tense 'höll'.
Du måste hålla avstånd ____ bilen framför.
In Swedish, you keep distance 'to' (till) something.
A: Varför står du så långt bort? B: Jag försöker ____.
'Hålla avstånd' explains why someone is standing far away.
Where would you most likely see 'Håll avstånd - 2 meter'?
Floor stickers in supermarkets are the most common place for this specific sign.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, it is a permanent part of Swedish traffic law and social etiquette that existed long before the pandemic.
Yes, but 'hålla distans' is often used for emotional or metaphorical distance, while 'hålla avstånd' is more physical.
There isn't one single phrase, but 'gå nära' (go close) or 'trängas' (to crowd) are opposites.
You can't easily say it to them while driving, but you can say 'Han håller inte avstånd' to your passenger.
Expressions liées
hålla distans
similarTo keep a distance (often emotional or professional)
ta avstånd från
contrastTo distance oneself from an opinion
hålla ut
builds onTo hold out / endure
ge plats
similarGive space/room
