Signification
Not too close.
Contexte culturel
The 'Swedish Bus Stop' phenomenon is a real cultural trait where people stand far apart. 'Hålla avståndet' is seen as a sign of respect for others' privacy. Sweden has some of the world's strictest road safety laws. Not keeping the distance (tailgating) can lead to an immediate loss of your driver's license. In Nordic workplaces, 'hålla avståndet' to management is common to maintain a flat but professional hierarchy. After COVID-19, 'hålla avståndet' became a permanent part of the social vocabulary, often used jokingly when someone stands slightly too close.
The 3-Second Rule
In Sweden, 'hålla avståndet' in traffic is often taught as the 'tresekundersregeln' (3-second rule).
Don't say 'Hålla av'
Remember that 'hålla av någon' means you like them. Don't use it when you want them to move away!
Signification
Not too close.
The 3-Second Rule
In Sweden, 'hålla avståndet' in traffic is often taught as the 'tresekundersregeln' (3-second rule).
Don't say 'Hålla av'
Remember that 'hålla av någon' means you like them. Don't use it when you want them to move away!
Queue Etiquette
If you don't 'hålla avståndet' in a Swedish queue, people won't say anything, but they will feel very uncomfortable.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'hålla'.
Igår _______ jag avståndet till bilen framför hela vägen.
'Igår' (yesterday) requires the past tense 'höll'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you tell someone to keep their distance in a queue?
The preposition 'till' is used to indicate the target of the distance.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Varför står du så långt bort? B: Jag försöker _______ _______ eftersom jag är förkyld.
Keeping distance because of a cold is a classic use of 'hålla avståndet'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'Håll avståndet!'?
This is a primary safety use of the phrase.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where to Hålla Avståndet
Traffic
- • Motorväg
- • Stadstrafik
- • Korsningar
Social
- • Busshållplats
- • Ica-kö
- • Möten
Health
- • Sjukdom
- • Pandemi
- • Sjukhus
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIgår _______ jag avståndet till bilen framför hela vägen.
'Igår' (yesterday) requires the past tense 'höll'.
How do you tell someone to keep their distance in a queue?
The preposition 'till' is used to indicate the target of the distance.
A: Varför står du så långt bort? B: Jag försöker _______ _______ eftersom jag är förkyld.
Keeping distance because of a cold is a classic use of 'hålla avståndet'.
When would you say 'Håll avståndet!'?
This is a primary safety use of the phrase.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsBoth are correct. 'Håll avstånd' is a general command (like on a sign). 'Hålla avståndet' refers to the specific distance between you and someone else in a real situation.
Yes, it is very common to say 'Hon håller avståndet' to mean she is being socially or emotionally distant.
The opposite would be 'att vara nära' (to be close) or 'att söka närhet' (to seek closeness).
If said politely ('Kan du vara snäll och hålla avståndet?'), it is not rude, especially in safety or health contexts.
Expressions liées
hålla sig borta
similarto stay away
hålla i sär
similarto keep apart
hålla ut
contrastto endure/hold out
hålla om
contrastto hug
hålla kontakten
contrastto keep in touch
