Signification
To start working on a problem or task.
Contexte culturel
Swedes value 'handlingskraft' (the power of action). While consensus is important, someone who 'tar tag i saken' is seen as a reliable and strong leader. In flat hierarchies, you don't wait for orders. You are expected to 'ta tag i saker' independently. The phrase reflects a historical need for practical solutions in a harsh climate where inaction could be dangerous. Commonly used in tech startups to describe 'sprinting' or tackling a backlog of tasks.
Use it in Job Interviews
Saying 'Jag är bra på att ta tag i saker' is a great way to describe yourself as a self-starter.
Don't forget the 'i'
Without the 'i', the phrase loses its idiomatic meaning and sounds like physical theft.
Signification
To start working on a problem or task.
Use it in Job Interviews
Saying 'Jag är bra på att ta tag i saker' is a great way to describe yourself as a self-starter.
Don't forget the 'i'
Without the 'i', the phrase loses its idiomatic meaning and sounds like physical theft.
The 'Nu' factor
Swedes often start the phrase with 'Nu...' (Now...) to signal the exact moment of starting.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Vi har pratat om det här länge nu, det är dags att ta ______ i ______.
The full idiom is 'ta tag i saken'.
Which sentence uses the past tense correctly?
Yesterday, I finally dealt with the problem.
The past tense of 'ta' is 'tog', and the verb must come in the second position in Swedish (V2 rule).
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Din chef säger att projektet är försenat.
This is the professional way to say you will handle the issue.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Badrummet är jättesmutsigt. B: Jag vet, jag har inte haft tid. A: Men nu måste vi faktiskt ______.
'Ta tag i saken' is the most natural way to suggest starting a chore.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVi har pratat om det här länge nu, det är dags att ta ______ i ______.
The full idiom is 'ta tag i saken'.
Yesterday, I finally dealt with the problem.
The past tense of 'ta' is 'tog', and the verb must come in the second position in Swedish (V2 rule).
Situation: Din chef säger att projektet är försenat.
This is the professional way to say you will handle the issue.
A: Badrummet är jättesmutsigt. B: Jag vet, jag har inte haft tid. A: Men nu måste vi faktiskt ______.
'Ta tag i saken' is the most natural way to suggest starting a chore.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it's very common for household chores. 'Jag ska ta tag i disken' is perfectly natural.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Fixa det' is more informal and just means 'fix it.' 'Ta tag i saken' implies taking initiative on a matter that needs attention.
Yes! You can replace 'saken' with 'problemet', 'uppgiften', or 'arbetet'.
It can be a bit direct. It's better to say 'Vi kanske borde ta tag i saken' (Maybe we should...) to be more polite.
Not always, but it often suggests that the task has been waiting for someone to start it.
Use 'tog': 'Jag tog tag i saken igår.'
Only if you're talking about a problem in the relationship, e.g., 'Vi måste ta tag i saken med vår kommunikation.'
Not a direct one, but 'ta tag i skiten' (take hold of the sh*t) is a vulgar/informal version.
Swedish idioms often use the definite form to refer to 'the matter at hand' which is understood by both speakers.
Absolutely! 'Jag ska ta tag i saken och plugga svenska nu.'
Very common, especially when criticizing the government for not acting on an issue.
Expressions liées
ta itu med
synonymto deal with
skrida till verket
similarto proceed to action
hugga i
similarto dig in / work hard
ta tag i sig själv
builds onto pull oneself together
ligga på latsidan
contrastto be lazy
