Signification
People get along with similar people.
Contexte culturel
In Sweden, this proverb is often linked to the 'Jantelagen' (Law of Jante) mentality, where being similar and not standing out is traditionally valued. It reinforces the idea that social harmony comes from being on the same level as others. The phrase is equally common among Swedish-speaking Finns and carries the same weight of traditional wisdom, often used in rural communities to describe families that have been friends for generations. In cities like Stockholm, the phrase is increasingly used ironically to describe 'hipster' bubbles or specific social cliques in neighborhoods like Södermalm. The proverb is sometimes used to explain the 'flat' hierarchy in Swedish companies, where managers and employees often share similar lifestyles and values, facilitating easy communication.
Keep the 'a'!
Never change 'leka' to 'leker'. It's the most common sign of a non-native speaker trying to 'fix' the grammar.
Use it for bonding
It's a great way to show a Swedish person that you understand their social dynamics. Use it when you find a common interest with them!
Signification
People get along with similar people.
Keep the 'a'!
Never change 'leka' to 'leker'. It's the most common sign of a non-native speaker trying to 'fix' the grammar.
Use it for bonding
It's a great way to show a Swedish person that you understand their social dynamics. Use it when you find a common interest with them!
Avoid in diversity talks
Be careful using this in modern HR or diversity settings, as it can be interpreted as supporting exclusion.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Lika barn ____ bäst.
The proverb uses the archaic plural form 'leka'.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Lika barn leka bäst'?
Two people with different hobbies fighting.
The proverb describes people with similar interests getting along well.
Match the Swedish words to their English literal meanings in the proverb.
Lika, Barn, Leka, Bäst
These are the direct translations of the components.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: De båda älskar att segla. B: Ja, ____.
The context of shared interests (sailing) makes this the correct proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesLika barn ____ bäst.
The proverb uses the archaic plural form 'leka'.
Two people with different hobbies fighting.
The proverb describes people with similar interests getting along well.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the direct translations of the components.
A: De båda älskar att segla. B: Ja, ____.
The context of shared interests (sailing) makes this the correct proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, absolutely! Despite the word 'barn' (children), it is used for people of all ages.
It can be slightly negative if you're implying a group is too exclusive or 'cliquey', but usually it's neutral or positive.
It's an old plural verb form from the 1600s that has been preserved in this specific proverb.
Not really, but people sometimes just say 'Lika barn...' and let the listener finish the thought.
No, it refers to personality, interests, and background, not physical appearance.
'Motsatser attraherar varandra' (Opposites attract) is the direct opposite.
It might be a bit too informal for a first email, but in a friendly follow-up with a colleague, it's fine.
Not particularly, but it is very common on decorative home items like pillows or wall art.
The 'rn' is one sound where your tongue touches the roof of your mouth further back than for a normal 'n'.
Yes, but 'Kaka söker maka' is often used more for romantic couples or with a slightly more teasing tone.
Expressions liées
Kaka söker maka
similarLike seeks like (literally: a cookie seeks its mate).
Motsatser attraherar varandra
contrastOpposites attract.
Lika söker lika
synonymLike seeks like.
Blandas och ges
contrastMixed and dealt (like cards).
