Signification
A friendly way to say hello.
Contexte culturel
The 'Du-reform' of the late 60s made phrases like 'Hej på dig' the national standard, replacing complex titles. Finland-Swedes also use this phrase, but their intonation is often flatter and they may use 'Goddag' slightly more often in semi-formal settings. Norwegians say 'Hei på deg', which is nearly identical and used in the same way, reflecting the close linguistic bond. Danes say 'Hej med dig'. Note the change from 'på' (on) to 'med' (with). Using 'på' in Denmark would sound Swedish.
The 'Nemen' trick
Add 'Nemen' (Well...) before the phrase if you are surprised to see someone. 'Nemen hej på dig!' sounds very native.
Pronunciation of 'dig'
Never pronounce the 'g' in 'dig'. If you say 'dig' with a hard G, you will sound like you are reading from a 19th-century textbook.
Signification
A friendly way to say hello.
The 'Nemen' trick
Add 'Nemen' (Well...) before the phrase if you are surprised to see someone. 'Nemen hej på dig!' sounds very native.
Pronunciation of 'dig'
Never pronounce the 'g' in 'dig'. If you say 'dig' with a hard G, you will sound like you are reading from a 19th-century textbook.
Eye Contact
When saying 'Hej på dig', make brief, friendly eye contact. Swedes value this as a sign of honesty and equality.
Teste-toi
Complete the greeting for one person.
Hej ___ dig!
The correct preposition for this idiom is 'på'.
You are greeting a group of three friends. What do you say?
Greeting a group:
'Er' is the plural form of 'you' in the object case.
Fill in the response to the greeting.
A: Hej på dig! B: Hej på dig ____!
'Själv' (self) is the idiomatic way to say 'to you too' in this context.
Match the greeting to the person.
Who are you talking to if you say 'Hej på er'?
'Er' is plural, so it must be used for more than one person.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHej ___ dig!
The correct preposition for this idiom is 'på'.
Greeting a group:
'Er' is the plural form of 'you' in the object case.
A: Hej på dig! B: Hej på dig ____!
'Själv' (self) is the idiomatic way to say 'to you too' in this context.
Who are you talking to if you say 'Hej på er'?
'Er' is plural, so it must be used for more than one person.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, it's actually slightly more informal and warmer. 'Hej' is neutral.
In Sweden, yes! Most workplaces are very informal. If your boss uses your first name, you can use this.
It's an idiom. Prepositions in different languages rarely match up perfectly. Just memorize it as a set piece.
The plural is 'Hej på er'. Use this for two or more people.
Yes, 'dej' is how it's pronounced and often how it's written in informal texts, but 'dig' is the correct spelling.
Yes, if you are initiating a friendly interaction, like asking for directions or at a shop counter.
The most common reply is 'Hej på dig själv!' or simply 'Hej!'.
Not at all. It is very modern and used by all age groups.
Yes, in an informal or semi-formal email, it's a great way to start.
People will understand you, but they will know you are a learner (or from a specific rural part of Sweden).
You could say 'Tjena på dig', which is even more casual.
Yes, 'Hej' works 24/7 in Sweden, unlike 'Good morning' or 'Good evening'.
Yes, many Swedish pop and children's songs use this greeting.
Literally, yes. But figuratively, it just means 'Hi there'.
Expressions liées
Hej på er
plural formHello to you (plural)
Hej hej
similarHi hi / Bye bye
Tjena
informal alternativeHey / What's up
Hej på dig själv
builds onHello to you too
Hallå där
similarHello there
