Signification
Asking about someone's well-being.
Contexte culturel
Swedes value 'ärlighet' (honesty). If you ask 'Hur mår du?', be prepared for a real answer, not just a polite 'Good'. During 'fika' (coffee breaks), this phrase is the primary way to build 'trivsel' (well-being/coziness) among colleagues. In Stockholm, 'Hur mår du?' can be slightly more casual, while in the north, it remains a very sincere and direct question. On social media, 'Hur mår vi idag?' (How are we feeling today?) is a common way for influencers to address their followers.
The 'Och du?' Trick
Always follow up your answer with 'Och du?' (And you?) or 'Själv då?' (Yourself then?) to keep the conversation polite.
Avoid 'Hur är du?'
This is the most common mistake for English speakers. It sounds like you are asking 'What kind of person are you?'
Signification
Asking about someone's well-being.
The 'Och du?' Trick
Always follow up your answer with 'Och du?' (And you?) or 'Själv då?' (Yourself then?) to keep the conversation polite.
Avoid 'Hur är du?'
This is the most common mistake for English speakers. It sounds like you are asking 'What kind of person are you?'
Be Sincere
If you don't have time for a 2-minute answer, just say 'Hej!' instead of asking 'Hur mår du?'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing verb in the present tense.
Hej Anna! Hur ___ du idag?
In Swedish, we use the verb 'må' (present: mår) to ask how someone is feeling.
Choose the most natural response to 'Hur mår du?'.
Hur mår du?
The response must mirror the verb used in the question. 'Jag mår bra' is the standard answer.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
Erik: Hej! Hur är läget? Sven: Det är lugnt. Hur ___ du?
Sven is switching from the informal 'läget' to the slightly more personal 'mår du'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Which phrase is best for a very formal meeting with a dignitary?
'Hur står det till?' is the most formal way to ask how someone is.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Ways to ask 'How are you?'
Formal
- • Hur står det till?
Neutral
- • Hur mår du?
- • Hur är det?
Informal
- • Hur är läget?
- • Läget?
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHej Anna! Hur ___ du idag?
In Swedish, we use the verb 'må' (present: mår) to ask how someone is feeling.
Hur mår du?
The response must mirror the verb used in the question. 'Jag mår bra' is the standard answer.
Erik: Hej! Hur är läget? Sven: Det är lugnt. Hur ___ du?
Sven is switching from the informal 'läget' to the slightly more personal 'mår du'.
Which phrase is best for a very formal meeting with a dignitary?
'Hur står det till?' is the most formal way to ask how someone is.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, it is perfectly neutral and polite for a workplace setting in Sweden, which is generally non-hierarchical.
'Mår' is your general state of health/well-being. 'Känner' (usually 'känner sig') is used for specific emotions or immediate physical sensations.
Usually, yes. With a stranger, 'Hej, trevligt att träffas' (Hi, nice to meet you) is better.
You say 'Jag mår inte så bra.'
Expressions liées
Hur är läget?
similarHow is the situation?
Hur står det till?
formalHow does it stand?
Må så gott!
builds onFeel so good!
Hur har du det?
similarHow are you having it?
