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A2 verb 9 min de lecture

bära

to carry

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic meaning of 'bära': to carry something in your hands or arms. Think about carrying a bag, a book, or a child. At this stage, you only need to know the present tense 'bär'. You might use it in simple sentences like 'Jag bär en väska' (I carry a bag). It is helpful to learn it alongside other basic action verbs like 'går' (walk) or 'har' (have). Don't worry about the irregular past tenses or abstract meanings yet; just focus on the physical act of moving an object from point A to point B. You will often see it in grocery shopping contexts or when talking about packing for a trip.
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At the A2 level, you start to learn the irregular forms of the verb: 'bära' (infinitive), 'bär' (present), and 'bar' (past). You should be able to describe things you carried yesterday. You also begin to see 'bära' used for wearing certain items, especially accessories like hats or glasses, though 'ha på sig' remains more common for clothes. You might encounter the phrase 'bära frukt' in simple stories. This is the level where you distinguish between 'bära' (carrying the weight) and 'ta med' (bringing something along). You should also be able to use 'bära' with simple prepositions, like 'bära på' when talking about carrying a backpack.
By B1, you should be comfortable with the supine form 'burit' and the perfect tenses. You start to use 'bära' in more abstract ways, such as 'bära ansvar' (bear responsibility) or 'bära på en hemlighet' (carry a secret). You will also learn the reflexive phrasal verb 'bära sig åt' (to behave), which is very common in spoken Swedish. At this level, you should understand the difference between 'bära' and its more descriptive synonyms like 'kånka' (to lug) or 'släpa' (to drag). You might also see 'bära' used in a passive sense, like 'beslutet bars fram' (the decision was carried forward).
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At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'bära' in professional and literary contexts. You can use it to describe formal attire or the 'bearing' of a title. You understand the structural meaning of 'bärande vägg' (load-bearing wall) and the economic meaning of 'bära sig' (to be profitable). You are also familiar with many idioms, such as 'det bär eller brister' (make or break) or 'bära hundhuvudet' (take the blame). Your ability to use 'bära' in the passive voice and in complex sentence structures should be well-developed, allowing you to discuss social responsibility and historical burdens fluently.
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At the C1 level, you use 'bära' with the precision of a native speaker. You recognize its use in formal academic Swedish to describe consequences ('bära med sig') and in legal or political contexts to discuss accountability. You are sensitive to the stylistic difference between 'bära' and 'ha på sig' and use the former to create a specific tone in your writing. You can analyze literature where 'bära' might be a central metaphor for emotional weight or heritage. You also understand the etymological roots and how they relate to other Germanic languages, giving you a deeper appreciation for the word's place in the Swedish language.
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At the C2 level, 'bära' is a tool for subtle expression. You can use it in highly formal or poetic registers, understanding every idiomatic nuance and historical connotation. You are comfortable with archaic or rare uses of the word found in older texts or specific dialects. You can switch between the physical, abstract, economic, and behavioral meanings of 'bära' effortlessly in a single conversation. You might use it to discuss the 'bärkraft' (sustainability) of a complex ecosystem or the philosophical implications of 'att bära sitt öde' (to bear one's fate). Your mastery is such that you can even play with the word in puns or creative writing.
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Exemples Notes et astuces

bära en 30 secondes

  • Primary meaning is 'to carry' physical objects like bags or children.
  • Used for wearing clothes, especially formal attire or specific accessories.
  • Common in abstract senses like carrying secrets, names, or responsibilities.
  • A strong verb with a vowel shift: bära (inf), bär (pres), bar (past), burit (supine).

The Swedish verb bära is a versatile and essential word that primarily translates to 'to carry' in English. At its most fundamental level, it describes the physical act of supporting the weight of an object or person while moving it from one place to another. However, its utility in the Swedish language extends far beyond simple physical transport. It is a strong verb, meaning it undergoes a vowel shift in its different tenses: bär (present), bar (past), and burit (supine). Understanding this word is crucial for any learner because it appears in contexts ranging from grocery shopping to describing high-fashion choices and even metaphysical burdens.

Physical Transport
The most common usage involves moving items. Whether you are carrying a heavy suitcase (en tung resväska) or a child (ett barn), 'bära' is the go-to verb. It implies manual effort and physical contact with the object being moved.

Jag kan hjälpa dig att bära matkassarna till bilen.

In a more formal or poetic sense, 'bära' is used to describe what someone is wearing. While 'ha på sig' is the standard everyday term for wearing clothes, 'bära' suggests a sense of style, dignity, or specific intent. You might 'bära' a uniform, a wedding dress, or a crown. It elevates the act of dressing into something more significant. Furthermore, the word appears in many abstract contexts. One can 'bära' a secret (bära på en hemlighet), 'bära' a name (bära ett namn), or 'bära' responsibility (bära ansvar). In these cases, the 'carrying' is mental or social rather than physical.

Environmental Context
In nature, trees 'bär' fruit (bär frukt). This metaphorical 'carrying' indicates production or yielding. If a project 'bär frukt', it means it is finally producing results or becoming successful.

Äppelträdet bär mycket frukt i år.

Finally, the word is used in structural engineering and architecture. A wall that supports the weight of a roof is a 'bärande vägg' (load-bearing wall). This highlights the concept of support and stability that is inherent in the verb's meaning. Whether it is a physical beam or a person supporting their family, 'bära' implies strength and endurance.

Using bära correctly requires an understanding of its conjugation and its relationship with prepositions. As a strong verb, it follows the pattern: bära, bär, bar, burit. It is also common to see the passive form 'bäras' (to be carried). When you are carrying something 'on' you, Swedes often add the preposition 'på'. For example, 'Jag bär på en tung ryggsäck' emphasizes the act of carrying the weight on your person.

Direct Objects
In simple sentences, 'bära' takes a direct object. You carry 'någonting' (something). Example: 'Han bar lådan.' (He carried the box.)

Hon bar sitt barn hela vägen hem.

One of the most tricky aspects for English speakers is the phrasal verb 'bära sig åt'. This means 'to behave' or 'to act'. It has nothing to do with physical carrying. If someone is acting strangely, you might ask: 'Hur bär du dig åt egentligen?' (How are you behaving, really?). Another important phrasal verb is 'bära iväg' (to carry away), often used when the wind blows something away or someone is carried off by emotion.

The Passive Voice
The passive 'bäras' is used when the focus is on the object. 'Kistan bars av sex personer.' (The coffin was carried by six people.)

Många traditioner bärs vidare från generation till generation.

In professional contexts, you might encounter 'bärkraftig' (viable/sustainable). This comes from the idea of something being able to 'carry' itself or support its own weight. A 'bärkraftig ekonomi' is a sustainable economy. Similarly, in mathematics or logic, 'det bär inte' means 'it doesn't hold up' or 'it isn't logical'. The breadth of 'bära' makes it a powerhouse in Swedish sentence construction.

In everyday Swedish life, you will hear bära in countless scenarios. At a construction site, workers talk about 'bärande konstruktioner' (load-bearing structures). In a clothing store, a stylist might comment on how a customer 'bär upp' (carries off/looks good in) a particular outfit. At a funeral, the 'bärare' (pallbearers) perform their solemn duty. The word is woven into the fabric of daily interactions, from the mundane to the monumental.

Social and News Media
News reports often use 'bära' when discussing responsibility. 'Vem bär ansvaret för olyckan?' (Who bears the responsibility for the accident?) is a common headline. It suggests a heavy, serious burden of accountability.

Ministern bär det yttersta ansvaret för beslutet.

In literature and music, 'bära' is used to evoke emotion. A song might describe 'att bära på en sorg' (carrying a grief). The imagery of carrying an invisible weight is very powerful in Swedish culture, which often values quiet endurance. You will also hear it in the idiom 'det bär eller brister', which means 'it's make or break'—literally, it will either carry (hold) or it will break.

Everyday Idioms
If someone is very lucky, you might hear 'han bärs fram av framgång' (he is carried forward by success). It implies a smooth, effortless journey supported by outside forces.

Nu bär det av till fjällen!

The phrase 'det bär av' is a colloquial way to say 'off we go' or 'we're heading out'. It’s often used before a trip or a move. If you are at a party and people start leaving for a club, someone might shout, 'Nu bär det av mot stan!' (Now we're off to the city!). This shows the word's dynamic nature, indicating movement and direction.

Even though bära seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble on its specific Swedish nuances. The most frequent error is conjugation. Because many Swedish verbs are weak (ending in -de in the past), learners often say 'bärde' instead of the correct irregular past tense 'bar'. Another common pitfall is the confusion between 'bära' and 'ta med'. While both can involve moving things, 'ta med' means 'to bring', whereas 'bära' focuses on the physical act of carrying.

Bära vs. Ha på sig
Learners often use 'bära' for everyday clothing like a t-shirt or socks. In Swedish, this sounds overly formal or poetic. Use 'ha på sig' for daily wear. Reserve 'bära' for jewelry, uniforms, or when you want to sound sophisticated.

Fel: Jag bär strumpor idag. (Correct: Jag har på mig strumpor idag.)

Another mistake involves the reflexive phrasal verb 'bära sig åt'. Learners sometimes forget the 'sig' or use it to mean 'carrying oneself' physically. In Swedish, 'bära sig åt' strictly refers to behavior. If you want to say someone carries themselves with good posture, you would use 'hålla sig' or 'föra sig'. Confusing these can lead to very strange-sounding sentences.

Prepositional Errors
Using 'bära med' instead of 'bära på' is a common slip. 'Bära på' is used for things you are carrying internally or on your body (like a backpack or a secret). 'Bära med sig' means to carry something along with you, often figuratively, like an experience or a lesson.

Han bär på en stor sorg.

Finally, watch out for the expression 'bära sig'. Without the 'åt', 'bära sig' means 'to be profitable' or 'to pay off'. A business that doesn't 'bära sig' is losing money. If you tell someone 'det bär sig inte', you are saying 'it's not worth it' or 'it's not economically viable', not that they aren't carrying something correctly.

While bära is the primary word for carrying, Swedish offers several alternatives depending on the weight, the method, and the context. Understanding these nuances will make your Swedish sound much more natural and precise. For instance, if you are carrying something heavy with difficulty, you might use 'släpa' (to drag) or 'kånka' (to lug). If you are carrying something small or light, 'hålla' (to hold) might be more appropriate.

Bära vs. Kånka
'Bära' is neutral. 'Kånka' implies that the object is heavy, awkward, or that you have been carrying it for a long time. 'Jag kånkade på matkassarna hela vägen hem' suggests a struggle that 'bar' does not.

Vi fick kånka upp pianot för alla trapporna.

When it comes to clothing, the main alternative is 'ha på sig'. As mentioned, this is the standard way to say 'wear'. Another option is 'klä sig i' (to dress in), which is more descriptive of the process. For jewelry, you can also use 'ha' (to have). 'Hon har ett halsband' is simpler than 'Hon bär ett halsband'. In a formal context, 'inneha' (to hold/possess) might be used for titles or positions of power, which relates to the abstract 'bearing' of a title.

Bära vs. Stödja
While 'bära' means to support the weight while moving, 'stödja' (to support/prop up) focuses on the stability. A pillar 'stödjer' a roof, but we say it is a 'bärande' pillar because it 'carries' the load.

Väggen stödjer taket, men bjälken bär hela tyngden.

In a metaphorical sense, 'tåla' (to endure/tolerate) can sometimes replace 'bära' when talking about burdens. 'Jag kan inte bära mer' (I can't carry more) and 'Jag kan inte tåla mer' (I can't endure more) are similar but 'tåla' focuses on the internal capacity to handle stress. Lastly, 'medföra' (to involve/bring with it) is used for consequences. 'Beslutet bär med sig risker' (The decision carries risks) is common, but 'Beslutet medför risker' is more formal and precise in academic writing.

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'bära' is related to the word 'barn' (child), as a child is something that is 'borne' or carried during pregnancy.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈbæːra/
US /ˈbɛːrə/
The stress is on the first syllable: BÄ-ra.
Rime avec
lära nära kära ära tära skära svära jära
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'ä' like the English 'a' in 'cat' (too closed).
  • Using an English 'r' sound instead of the Swedish flap/trill.
  • Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.
  • Confusing the short and long 'ä' sounds.
  • Silent 'r' – in Swedish, the 'r' must be heard.
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Exemples par niveau

1

Jag bär en kasse.

I am carrying a bag.

Present tense: bär.

2

Kan du bära boken?

Can you carry the book?

Infinitive after 'kan'.

3

Han bär ett barn.

He is carrying a child.

Subject-Verb-Object.

4

Vi bär lådor idag.

We are carrying boxes today.

Plural subject, same verb form.

5

Hon bär en röd hatt.

She is wearing a red hat.

Using 'bära' for accessories.

6

Väskan är tung att bära.

The bag is heavy to carry.

Adjective + 'att' + infinitive.

7

Bär du nycklarna?

Are you carrying the keys?

Question form: Verb-Subject.

8

De bär mat till bordet.

They are carrying food to the table.

Directional preposition: 'till'.

1

Han bar min väska igår.

He carried my bag yesterday.

Past tense: bar.

2

Jag har burit den här hela dagen.

I have carried this all day.

Present perfect: har burit.

3

Trädet bär mycket frukt.

The tree bears a lot of fruit.

Metaphorical use for nature.

4

Ska vi bära in bordet?

Should we carry in the table?

Particle verb: bära in.

5

Hon bar en vacker klänning.

She wore a beautiful dress.

Formal use for clothing.

6

Vem bar ansvaret?

Who bore the responsibility?

Abstract object: ansvar.

7

Hjälp mig att bära upp soffan.

Help me carry the sofa up.

Particle verb: bära upp.

8

De bar hem varorna.

They carried the goods home.

Directional adverb: hem.

1

Hur bär du dig åt?

How are you behaving?

Reflexive phrasal verb: bära sig åt.

2

Hon bär på en hemlighet.

She is carrying a secret.

Prepositional use: bära på.

3

Det här projektet kommer bära frukt.

This project will bear fruit.

Idiomatic: result in success.

4

Isen bär inte för en bil.

The ice won't support a car.

Meaning 'to support weight'.

5

Han bär sitt efternamn med stolthet.

He carries his last name with pride.

Abstract use: bära ett namn.

6

Vi måste bära kostnaden själva.

We must bear the cost ourselves.

Economic use: bear a cost.

7

Det bär iväg till Stockholm imorgon.

We're off to Stockholm tomorrow.

Impersonal construction: det bär iväg.

8

Hon bär upp den där stilen bra.

She carries off that style well.

Phrasal verb: bära upp (to look good in).

1

Väggen är bärande.

The wall is load-bearing.

Present participle as adjective: bärande.

2

Företaget bär sig inte längre.

The company is no longer profitable.

Reflexive meaning: to be viable.

3

Det bär eller brister.

It's make or break.

Fixed idiom.

4

Han bar hundhuvudet för misslyckandet.

He took the blame for the failure.

Idiom: bära hundhuvudet.

5

Beslutet bär med sig stora risker.

The decision carries great risks.

Phrasal verb: bära med sig.

6

De bars fram av publikens jubel.

They were carried forward by the crowd's cheers.

Passive voice: bars fram.

7

Vem bär skulden för detta?

Who bears the guilt for this?

Abstract: bära skulden.

8

Hon bär vittne om händelsen.

She bears witness to the event.

Formal idiom: bära vittne.

1

Texten bär tydliga spår av författarens uppväxt.

The text bears clear traces of the author's upbringing.

Abstract: bära spår av.

2

Hennes röst bar inte ända fram.

Her voice didn't carry all the way.

Acoustic use: voice carrying.

3

Utvecklingen bär mot en katastrof.

The development is heading toward a disaster.

Directional/Metaphorical: bär mot.

4

Det bär mig emot att säga nej.

It goes against my grain to say no.

Idiom: det bär emot (to be reluctant).

5

Argumentet bär inte vid en närmare granskning.

The argument doesn't hold up under closer scrutiny.

Logical use: to hold up/be valid.

6

Han bär sin sorg med stor värdighet.

He carries his grief with great dignity.

Nuanced emotional description.

7

Vi bär alla på en historia.

We all carry a story within us.

Philosophical use: bära på.

8

Investeringarna började äntligen bära sig.

The investments finally started to pay off.

Economic viability.

1

Traditionen bärs upp av de äldre i byn.

The tradition is upheld by the elders in the village.

Passive: bäras upp (to be upheld/supported).

2

Hennes gärningar bär vittnesbörd om hennes godhet.

Her deeds bear witness to her goodness.

High formal: bära vittnesbörd.

3

Vart bär det hän med vårt samhälle?

Where is our society heading?

Idiomatic/Philosophical: bär det hän.

4

Han bär en tung börda av skam.

He carries a heavy burden of shame.

Literary metaphor.

5

Konstruktionen bärs av bärkraftiga pelare.

The construction is supported by load-bearing pillars.

Technical/Architectural precision.

6

Det bär mig emot att medge att han har rätt.

I am loath to admit that he is right.

Complex emotional construction.

7

De bar hand på kungen.

They laid hands on the king (attacked him).

Archaic/Idiomatic: bära hand på.

8

Naturen bär spår av mänsklig påverkan.

Nature bears traces of human impact.

Scientific/Environmental context.

Collocations courantes

bära ansvar
bära frukt
bära på en hemlighet
bära vittne
bära hundhuvudet
bära sig åt
bära med sig
bära upp
bära iväg
bärande vägg

Phrases Courantes

Det bär eller brister.

Bära sig illa åt.

Bära hand på någon.

Bära på en dröm.

Bära sitt öde.

Bära spår av.

Bära fram ett förslag.

Bära med flaggan högt.

Bära på en sjukdom.

Det bär av mot...

Expressions idiomatiques

"Bära hundhuvudet"

To take the blame for something, often when it's not entirely one's fault.

Han fick bära hundhuvudet för hela projektets misslyckande.

informal/neutral

"Det bär eller brister"

Success or total failure is imminent; a critical moment.

Efter all träning är det nu det bär eller brister.

neutral

"Bära sig åt som en idiot"

To behave very foolishly or annoyingly.

Varför bär du dig åt som en idiot framför gästerna?

informal

"Bära frukt"

To yield positive results or become successful.

Våra investeringar börjar äntligen bära frukt.

neutral

"Bära hand på"

To physically strike or harm someone.

Man får aldrig bära hand på ett barn.

formal/legal

"Bära på guldstol"

To treat someone with extreme care and admiration (literally 'carry on a gold chair').

De bar fram segraren på guldstol.

idiomatic

"Det bär mig emot"

I feel a strong internal resistance to doing something.

Det bär mig emot att be honom om hjälp.

neutral

"Bära sitt huvud högt"

To act with pride and self-respect despite difficulties.

Trots förlusten bar hon sitt huvud högt.

literary

"Bära vittnesbörd om"

To provide evidence or proof of something.

Ruinerna bär vittnesbörd om stadens forna glans.

formal

"Bära i sin barm"

To keep a feeling or secret deep within oneself.

Han bar hatet i sin barm i många år.

poetic

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Bear' (the animal) that can 'Bära' (carry) a heavy load. Both words sound similar and share a common ancestor.

Association visuelle

Visualize a person carrying a giant 'ä' on their back. The letter 'ä' has two dots like eyes, looking down at the heavy weight they are carrying.

Word Web

väska ansvar kläder frukt is hemlighet namn börda

Défi

Try to use 'bära' in three different ways today: one for a physical object, one for a piece of clothing, and one for a feeling.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old Norse 'bera', which comes from the Proto-Germanic '*beraną'. It is cognate with the English 'bear', German 'gebären', and Dutch 'baren'.

Sens originel : The root meaning across all Germanic languages is to carry, to bring forth, or to give birth.

Indo-European > Germanic > North Germanic > Swedish.

Contexte culturel

Be careful with 'bära hand på', as it specifically implies violence or assault in a legal context.

English uses 'bear' for fruit and responsibility but rarely for carrying bags (we use 'carry') or clothes (we use 'wear'). Swedish 'bära' covers all three.

The song 'Bär mig hem' by various Swedish artists. The concept of 'Den bärande väggen' in Swedish drama/literature. Historical references to 'bärare' in royal processions.
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