Signification
Preparing luggage for a trip.
Contexte culturel
The 'fjällvandra' (mountain hiking) culture requires very specific packing. Swedes often discuss their 'packlista' (packing list) in detail to ensure they have the right gear for the unpredictable Swedish weather. Moving out at 18 or 19 is very common in Sweden. 'Packa väskan' in this context is a rite of passage, symbolizing independence and the start of adult life. The film 'Sällskapsresan' is a cultural touchstone. It satirizes how Swedes 'packa väskan' for sun holidays, including bringing Swedish coffee and crispbread abroad. In the era of budget airlines like Ryanair, 'packa väskan' has become a game of avoiding extra fees. Swedes often talk about 'packa smart' (packing smart) to fit everything into a carry-on.
The Definite Rule
Always use 'väskan' (the bag) instead of 'en väska' (a bag) when talking about the general act of packing for a trip.
Don't say 'i'
While 'packa i väskan' is understandable, 'packa väskan' is the idiomatic way to say it in Swedish.
Signification
Preparing luggage for a trip.
The Definite Rule
Always use 'väskan' (the bag) instead of 'en väska' (a bag) when talking about the general act of packing for a trip.
Don't say 'i'
While 'packa i väskan' is understandable, 'packa väskan' is the idiomatic way to say it in Swedish.
Use 'packa ner'
If you want to mention specific items, use the particle 'ner': 'Jag packar ner min dator i väskan.'
Ready to go
Use the phrase 'Väskan är packad!' to tell your friends or family that you are officially ready to leave.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'packa'.
Jag ________ väskan igår kväll innan jag gick och lade mig.
The sentence refers to 'igår kväll' (last night), so the past tense 'packade' is required.
Which sentence is the most natural Swedish?
Choose the correct way to say 'I am packing the bag'.
In Swedish, 'packa väskan' is the standard collocation using the definite form without a preposition.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ska vi gå nu? B: Nej, vänta! Jag har inte ________ än!
After 'har' (present perfect), we use the supine form 'packat'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'Det är dags att packa väskan' figuratively?
Figuratively, 'packa väskan' means preparing to leave a situation or place permanently.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Types of Bags to Pack
Travel
- • Resväska
- • Kabinväska
- • Ryggsäck
Daily
- • Handväska
- • Portfölj
- • Träningsväska
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJag ________ väskan igår kväll innan jag gick och lade mig.
The sentence refers to 'igår kväll' (last night), so the past tense 'packade' is required.
Choose the correct way to say 'I am packing the bag'.
In Swedish, 'packa väskan' is the standard collocation using the definite form without a preposition.
A: Ska vi gå nu? B: Nej, vänta! Jag har inte ________ än!
After 'har' (present perfect), we use the supine form 'packat'.
When would you say 'Det är dags att packa väskan' figuratively?
Figuratively, 'packa väskan' means preparing to leave a situation or place permanently.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, 'väska' is a generic term for any bag, including backpacks, though you can say 'packa ryggsäcken' to be more specific.
Both are correct. 'Packa väskan' is the idiom for the act of packing, even if you have two bags. 'Packa väskorna' is used if you want to emphasize that there are multiple bags.
It means to be eliminated or sent home. It's very common in reality TV shows like 'Robinson'.
You say 'Jag packar upp'. Note the particle 'upp'.
Yes, that is perfectly fine and common, but 'Jag packar väskan' is slightly more idiomatic as a set phrase.
It is a weak verb (Group 1), meaning it follows the most predictable conjugation pattern in Swedish.
Yes, 'packat med folk' means 'packed with people'.
A 'väska' is a durable bag (suitcase, handbag), while a 'kasse' is usually a disposable or reusable shopping bag.
Yes, for your personal belongings. For the bulk of the move, you would say 'packa flyttkartonger'.
Yes, that is very formal and usually only seen in official travel documents or high-end concierge contexts.
In many Swedish dialects, 'ä' before 's' sounds very similar to 'e'.
No, for a lunch bag you would usually say 'packa ner matlådan'.
Expressions liées
packa upp
contrastTo unpack
packa ner
similarTo pack something into a container
packa ihop
builds onTo pack up everything
resväska
specialized formSuitcase
packning
similarThe luggage/the act of packing
