Signification
To ensure presence.
Contexte culturel
Punctuality is a core value. Being 'in time' (i tid) often means being 5 minutes early. Using 'se till att vara' is a way to reinforce this social expectation. Flat hierarchies mean bosses often use 'se till att' instead of direct commands like 'Du måste'. it sounds more like 'ensure this happens' rather than 'I am ordering you'. When invited to fika, it's polite to 'se till att vara' on time, but not too early, as the host might still be preparing. Swedish parents often use this phrase to teach children responsibility and safety without being overly authoritarian.
The Stress Secret
Always stress 'till'. If you stress 'se', Swedes will think you are physically looking at something rather than ensuring it.
Avoid 'Göra Säker'
This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Even if it makes sense to you, it sounds very 'foreign' to a Swede.
Signification
To ensure presence.
The Stress Secret
Always stress 'till'. If you stress 'se', Swedes will think you are physically looking at something rather than ensuring it.
Avoid 'Göra Säker'
This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Even if it makes sense to you, it sounds very 'foreign' to a Swede.
Punctuality is Key
Using this phrase shows you understand Swedish social norms. It's a sign of respect.
Use with Adjectives
This phrase is most powerful when followed by an adjective like 'redo' (ready), 'klar' (done), or 'snäll' (kind).
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to say 'Make sure to be ready'.
Se ___ ___ vara redo.
The full phrase is 'se till att vara'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you tell someone to be careful?
'Se till' is the idiom, and 'vara' is the infinitive form needed after 'att'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vi ses klockan sju! B: Okej, jag ska ___ ___ ___ vara där i tid.
The speaker is promising to ensure their punctual arrival.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A boss giving a deadline.
'Klar' (finished/ready) is the appropriate state for a work deadline.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSe ___ ___ vara redo.
The full phrase is 'se till att vara'.
How do you tell someone to be careful?
'Se till' is the idiom, and 'vara' is the infinitive form needed after 'att'.
A: Vi ses klockan sju! B: Okej, jag ska ___ ___ ___ vara där i tid.
The speaker is promising to ensure their punctual arrival.
Situation: A boss giving a deadline.
'Klar' (finished/ready) is the appropriate state for a work deadline.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, you must use the infinitive 'vara' after 'att'.
Not usually. It's a standard way to give instructions. However, tone of voice matters!
'Tillse' is the formal, one-word version used in legal texts. 'Se till' is for everyday life.
Yes! 'Se till att de är här' (Make sure they are here).
In writing, yes. In speaking, it is often shortened to 'å'.
Add 'inte' after 'att': 'Se till att inte vara...'
Literally yes, but in this collocation, it always means 'ensure'.
Yes, e.g., 'Se till att dörren är låst' (Make sure the door is locked).
Extremely. It's the standard way to assign responsibility.
The past tense is 'såg till att vara'.
Expressions liées
se till att
builds onMake sure to (do something)
se efter
similarTo look after / check
hålla koll på
similarKeep an eye on
fixa så att
informalFix it so that
tillse
specialized formEnsure (formal)
