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B1 verb 10 min de lecture

meddela

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces meddela en 30 secondes

Explication meddela in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'meddela' as a more formal way of saying 'say' or 'tell'. While you mostly use 'säger' (says) or 'berättar' (tells) at this stage, 'meddela' is a word you will see in emails and on signs. If you want to tell your teacher you are sick, you can say 'Jag meddelar att jag är sjuk.' It is a very useful word for basic logistics. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember the pattern: 'Jag meddelar [person]'. It is like saying 'I am giving a message to someone.' You will see it on your phone when you get a text message (meddelande). Learning this word early helps you understand official Swedish life. Even if you don't use it in every sentence, knowing it helps you recognize when someone is trying to give you important information. Focus on the present tense 'meddelar' and the past tense 'meddelade'. For example: 'Han meddelade mig igår.' (He told me yesterday). This is a great word to add to your 'survival Swedish' kit for work or school.

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At the A2 level, you should start using 'meddela' for specific tasks, especially in writing. When you write an email to a colleague or a friend about a plan, 'meddela' is more appropriate than 'säga'. For example, 'Kan du meddela mig om du kommer?' (Can you let me know if you are coming?). At this level, you are learning how to connect sentences. 'Meddela' often works with 'att' (that) or 'om' (if/about). You should practice the difference between 'berätta' (telling a story about your weekend) and 'meddela' (giving a specific fact like a meeting time). You will also encounter the noun form 'meddelande' (a message) very often. In A2, you are expected to handle simple social exchanges. Being able to say 'Jag ska meddela chefen' (I will inform the boss) shows that you understand professional etiquette. You should also recognize the imperative form 'Meddela!' which you might see in instructions like 'Meddela personalen!' (Inform the staff!). This word helps you move beyond just 'talking' and start 'communicating' information effectively.

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At the B1 level, you are becoming an independent user of Swedish, and 'meddela' becomes a vital part of your vocabulary. You should be comfortable using it in various tenses and structures. You will notice that 'meddela' is used in news reports, formal letters, and workplace discussions. It is the standard verb for 'to notify' or 'to announce'. You should understand the nuance that 'meddela' is more formal than 'säga' but less formal than 'underrätta'. A B1 learner should be able to use the pattern 'meddela någon något' (inform someone of something) without hesitation. For example: 'De meddelade oss sitt beslut efter mötet.' You should also be aware of common collocations like 'meddela i god tid' (inform in good time) and 'meddela förhinder' (notify that one is unable to attend). This level requires you to understand the flow of information in a Swedish context, where being clear and providing updates is highly valued. You are no longer just learning the word; you are learning how to use it to navigate social and professional expectations in Sweden.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'meddela' and its place among its synonyms. You should be able to choose between 'meddela', 'informera', and 'underrätta' depending on the situation. You will encounter 'meddela' in more complex grammatical structures, such as passive forms ('Det har meddelats att...') and in combination with various particles. You should also be familiar with the reflexive 'meddela sig', which you might encounter in literature or formal reports. At B2, you are expected to understand the implications of the word in a legal or administrative context, such as 'meddela dom' (to deliver a judgment) or 'meddela tillstånd' (to grant a permit). You should also be able to use the word to express subtlety, such as 'meddela i förtroende' (to inform in confidence). Your usage should reflect a high degree of control, avoiding 'Swenglish' errors like adding 'till' after the verb. At this level, 'meddela' is not just a verb; it is a tool for precise and professional communication.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'meddela' should be indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You understand the historical roots of the word and how it has evolved from Middle Low German. You can use it in highly formal or academic writing to convey precise shades of meaning. You are aware of its use in specific domains, such as the legal system ('meddela prövningstillstånd') or in technical documentation. You can also recognize and use the word in more abstract or metaphorical senses. Your understanding of the word family, including nouns like 'meddelande', 'meddelarskydd' (protection of sources), and 'meddelsam' (talkative/communicative), is complete. You can discuss the ethics of communication using these terms. At this level, you are also sensitive to the rhythm and tone that 'meddela' brings to a sentence, using it to create a specific atmosphere in your writing or speech. You can effortlessly switch between 'meddela' and its more archaic or specialized synonyms like 'kundgöra' or 'delge' when the context demands it.

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At the C2 level, you have mastered 'meddela' in all its complexity. You can use it with total flexibility in any register, from the most casual text message to the most formal state proclamation. You understand the deepest nuances of the word, including its use in historical texts and its role in the development of the Swedish language. You can use the word to create irony, emphasis, or professional distance. You are fully conversant with all legal and administrative uses of the word and can interpret complex documents where 'meddela' is used to define rights or obligations. You also understand the cultural weight of the word in the context of Swedish transparency and the 'offentlighetsprincipen' (the principle of public access to official documents). For a C2 learner, 'meddela' is a versatile instrument in a vast linguistic orchestra, and you know exactly when and how to play it to achieve the desired effect. You can even critique the use of the word in media or literature, identifying when it is used effectively or when a different term might have been more appropriate.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

meddela en 30 secondes

Meddela means to inform or notify someone about specific facts or news.
It is more formal than 'säga' and is the standard word for professional updates.
Commonly used in emails, news reports, and official announcements in Sweden.
Grammatically, it usually takes a direct object for the person being informed.

The Swedish verb meddela is a cornerstone of professional and semi-formal communication in Sweden. At its core, it means to give information to someone, to notify them, or to announce something. While in English you might say 'tell' or 'let someone know,' meddela carries a slightly more structured weight, implying a purposeful transfer of facts or decisions. It is the word you use when the act of communicating is as important as the content itself. In Swedish society, which prizes clarity and consensus, the act of 'meddelande' (notification) is essential for keeping everyone on the same page. Whether you are a boss telling an employee about a new policy, a teacher informing students about an exam, or a friend letting another friend know they will be late, meddela is your go-to verb.

Professional Context: In the workplace, this word is ubiquitous. You 'meddelar' your absence if you are sick, or you 'meddelar' a decision after a meeting. It suggests a level of officiality that the word 'säga' (to say) lacks. When you meddela, you are often providing a status update or a definitive piece of news that requires the recipient's attention.

Vi kommer att meddela resultatet via e-post senast på fredag eftermiddag.

Beyond the office, you will hear this word in public announcements. At a train station, if there is a delay, the speakers might blare out that they 'meddelar' a change in platform. It is a word that commands a certain level of focus because it usually precedes important information.

Social Nuance: In social settings, using 'meddela' can sometimes sound a bit stiff if used with very close friends for trivial things, but it is perfectly normal when the information is logistical. For example, 'Jag meddelar dig när jag har parkerat bilen' (I will let you know when I have parked the car) is common and correct.

Glöm inte att meddela din adressändring till Skatteverket så snart som möjligt.

The word also appears in legal and administrative Swedish. When the government 'meddelar ett beslut,' they are formally issuing a decision. This level of usage highlights the word's versatility—from a simple text message to a high-court ruling. Understanding 'meddela' is key to navigating Swedish bureaucracy and professional life, as it bridges the gap between casual speech and formal documentation. It is not just about talking; it is about the structured sharing of knowledge.

Etymological Connection: The word is related to 'med' (with) and 'dela' (share). To 'meddela' is literally to 'share with' someone. This helps you remember that the action requires a recipient; you are sharing a piece of the truth or a piece of news with another person.

Läkaren kommer att meddela provsvaren under morgondagen.

Vi ber er vänligen meddela eventuella allergier i förväg.

Using meddela correctly requires understanding its transitive nature. Usually, you 'meddela' someone (the object) something (the information). The structure can vary depending on whether the information is a noun, a clause, or an infinitive. It is very common to see the pattern 'meddela någon att...' (inform someone that...). This is the most efficient way to relay complex information.

The 'Att' Clause: When you want to convey a full thought, use 'att'. For example: 'Han meddelade att han var sjuk.' (He informed that he was sick). Note that in Swedish, you don't always need to include the person being informed if it is obvious from the context, though 'Han meddelade mig att...' is also perfect.

Företaget har meddelat att de ska flytta huvudkontoret till Stockholm.

Another common pattern is 'meddela någon om något' (inform someone about something). This uses the preposition 'om' to link the person to the topic. 'Jag ska meddela dig om detaljerna senare.' (I will inform you about the details later). This is slightly more casual than the 'att' clause and works well for general topics.

Direct Objects: You can also use 'meddela' with a direct object representing the message itself: 'Han meddelade sitt beslut.' (He announced his decision). Here, the person receiving the news is omitted because the focus is entirely on the action of announcing.

Vänligen meddela oss om du inte kan komma på mötet.

In passive constructions, 'meddela' is often used to show that information has been circulated without specifying who did it. 'Det har meddelats att...' (It has been announced that...). This is very common in news reporting or formal corporate communications where the source is the 'organization' rather than a specific individual.

Imperative Mode: The imperative 'Meddela!' is often used in instructions. 'Meddela genast om något går fel!' (Inform immediately if something goes wrong!). It sounds urgent and authoritative, making it perfect for safety instructions or project management.

Kan du meddela mig när du är klar?

De meddelade per telefon att paketet hade kommit fram.

If you live in Sweden, meddela will follow you from the morning news to your evening email. In the digital age, 'meddela' has found a permanent home in software interfaces. When you get a notification on your phone, the system might say 'Du har ett nytt meddelande' (You have a new message), and the act of the app sending that notification is described using the verb 'meddela'.

News and Media: Journalists use 'meddela' constantly. 'Statsministern meddelade idag att restriktionerna hävs.' (The Prime Minister announced today that restrictions are being lifted). It provides a neutral, objective tone to reporting. It suggests that the information is official and verified.

Polisen meddelade att ingen person kom till skada vid olyckan.

In the transport sector, 'meddela' is the standard for updates. If you are on a train and there is a technical fault, the conductor will 'meddela' the situation over the PA system. This usage is so ingrained that most Swedes don't even think of it as a formal word anymore; it is just the standard way to say 'provide an update'.

Customer Service: When you shop online in Sweden, you will see 'Vi meddelar dig när din order har skickats.' (We will notify you when your order has been shipped). It is the language of logistics. It implies a reliable, automated flow of information from business to consumer.

Banken meddelade via appen att räntan skulle höjas.

In academic settings, professors 'meddelar' results or changes to the syllabus. It maintains a professional distance while ensuring clarity. Even in sports, a referee might 'meddela sitt beslut' after consulting VAR or other officials. The word permeates every layer of Swedish life where information needs to be moved from point A to point B with clarity and purpose.

Flygbolaget meddelade att avgången var inställd på grund av dimma.

Vi kommer att meddela vinnaren personligen via telefon.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is confusing meddela with 'berätta'. While both involve speaking, 'berätta' is for stories, narratives, or telling someone about your day (like 'tell' or 'narrate'). Meddela is strictly for facts, notifications, or specific pieces of news. If you say 'Jag ska meddela en saga,' it sounds like you are officially notifying someone of a fairy tale, which is nonsensical. Use 'berätta' for the fairy tale and 'meddela' for the news that the fairy tale reading is cancelled.

Preposition Pitfalls: English speakers often want to use 'till' (to) because of the English 'inform to' or 'announce to'. However, in Swedish, 'meddela' usually takes a direct object for the person being informed. It is 'meddela mig,' NOT 'meddela till mig.' Adding 'till' is a classic 'Swenglish' mistake that makes you sound like a beginner.

FEL: Han meddelade till chefen att han var sen. (INCORRECT)

Another mistake is the confusion between 'meddela' and 'uppmärksamma'. While 'meddela' is to give info, 'uppmärksamma' is to notice something or to draw attention to something. If you want to tell your boss about a mistake, you 'meddelar' them about it. If you just notice it yourself, you 'uppmärksammar' it.

Overusing Formality: While 'meddela' is common, using it in extremely casual settings can feel stiff. If you are at dinner and want to say 'I'm going to the bathroom,' saying 'Jag meddelar att jag går på toaletten' is bizarrely formal. Use 'säger' or just 'går' in those cases. Save 'meddela' for when the information actually needs to be 'notified'.

RÄTT: Han meddelade chefen att han var sen. (CORRECT)

Finally, watch out for the reflexive 'meddela sig'. Beginners often use it thinking it means 'to express oneself'. It actually means 'to communicate with someone' (usually in writing or official capacity). If you want to say 'He expresses himself well,' use 'Han uttrycker sig väl,' not 'meddelar sig'.

Vänligen meddela om du får förhinder. (Please notify if you are prevented from coming.)

Hon meddelade nyheten med en sorgsen röst.

Swedish has several verbs for 'giving information,' and choosing the right one depends on the register and the specific context. Meddela is the broad, standard term, but here are its neighbors.

Informera vs. Meddela: 'Informera' is almost identical to 'meddela' but feels slightly more clinical or bureaucratic. You 'informerar' a large group of people about a complex situation. 'Meddela' is often more direct: 'Jag meddelar dig.' You can use them interchangeably in many cases, but 'meddela' feels slightly more 'native' Swedish while 'informera' is the international loanword.

Vi måste informera allmänheten om de nya reglerna.

Underrätta: This is a very formal alternative. It is often used in legal or military contexts. 'Polisen underrättade de anhöriga.' (The police notified the relatives). It carries a weight of seriousness that 'meddela' doesn't always have. If you use 'underrätta' in a casual email, you will sound like you are writing a police report.

De anhöriga har blivit underrättade om olyckan.

Kungöra and Avisera: 'Kungöra' means to proclaim or make a public announcement (think of a king). 'Avisera' is specifically used for technical notifications, like when a package is ready for pickup or a bill is coming. 'Paketet är aviserat' means you've received the notification that it's arrived.

Regeringen kungjorde sin nya strategi igår.

Säg till när du är klar! (Informal alternative to 'meddela')

Jag ska meddela min chef om mina semesterplaner.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The 'dela' part of the word is the same root as the English word 'deal' (as in 'dealing cards' or 'a good deal'). So when you 'meddela', you are 'dealing' information to someone!

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈmɛ̂ːdˌdeːla/

US /ˈmɛdˌdeɪlə/

Stress is on the first syllable 'med-', with a secondary stress on '-de-'.

Rime avec

dela spela hela stela felas pensla vissla tissla

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it like English 'medal'.
Making the 'd' sound too explosive.
Shortening the long 'e' in the second syllable.
Missing the pitch accent 2 melody.
Pronouncing the final 'a' like 'ah' instead of a neutral schwa-like 'a'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Very common in text; easy to recognize once you know the root 'dela'.

Écriture 3/5

Requires correct preposition use (avoiding 'till') and understanding formality levels.

Expression orale 3/5

Pitch accent 2 can be tricky for English speakers.

Écoute 2/5

Clearly pronounced in formal contexts like news or announcements.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

med dela säga berätta någon

Apprends ensuite

informera underrätta besked nyhet meddelande

Avancé

kungöra avisera delge meddelarskydd prövningstillstånd

Grammaire à connaître

Pitch Accent 2 (Grave Accent)

Meddela has a falling-rising melody.

Group 1 Verbs (-ar verbs)

Meddela, meddelar, meddelade, meddelat.

Transitive Verbs

Meddela requires an object (the person being informed).

V2 Word Order

Idag meddelade han sitt beslut.

Subordinate Clauses with 'att'

Han meddelade att han kommer.

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Exemples par niveau

Jag meddelar dig imorgon.

I will let you know tomorrow.

Present tense used for future intention.

Kan du meddela mig?

Can you let me know?

Modal verb 'kan' followed by infinitive.

Han meddelade att han är sjuk.

He informed that he is sick.

Past tense 'meddelade' with an 'att' clause.

Vi meddelar resultatet snart.

We will announce the result soon.

Direct object 'resultatet'.

Meddela din lärare!

Inform your teacher!

Imperative mood.

Hon meddelar sin adress.

She is giving her address.

Present tense.

De meddelade oss igår.

They informed us yesterday.

Object pronoun 'oss'.

Vänligen meddela mig.

Please let me know.

Polite adverb 'vänligen'.

Glöm inte att meddela om du kommer på festen.

Don't forget to let us know if you're coming to the party.

Infinitive after 'att'.

Jag måste meddela chefen om min semester.

I must inform the boss about my vacation.

Preposition 'om' used for the topic.

Tåget är sent, de meddelar det i högtalarna.

The train is late, they are announcing it over the speakers.

Pronoun 'det' referring to the news.

Hon meddelade per mejl att hon inte kunde komma.

She informed via email that she couldn't come.

Adverbial phrase 'per mejl'.

Vi ska meddela alla deltagare om ändringen.

We will inform all participants about the change.

Future tense with 'ska'.

Kan du meddela mig när du är klar?

Can you let me know when you are finished?

Subordinate clause starting with 'när'.

De meddelade nyheten på radion.

They announced the news on the radio.

Definite noun 'nyheten'.

Vänligen meddela eventuella allergier.

Please report any allergies.

Formal request in a service context.

Företaget meddelade att de ska anställa fler personer.

The company announced that they are going to hire more people.

Professional context, 'att' clause.

Vi ber dig meddela oss så snart som möjligt.

We ask you to let us know as soon as possible.

Standard phrase 'så snart som möjligt'.

Han meddelade sitt beslut under gårdagens möte.

He announced his decision during yesterday's meeting.

Genitive 'gårdagens'.

Läkaren meddelade att operationen hade gått bra.

The doctor informed that the surgery had gone well.

Pluperfect 'hade gått'.

Det är viktigt att meddela förhinder i god tid.

It is important to notify of any inability to attend in good time.

Formal collocation 'meddela förhinder'.

Polisen meddelade att vägen var avstängd.

The police announced that the road was closed.

Reporting style.

Vänligen meddela om du behöver extra hjälp.

Please let us know if you need extra help.

Conditional 'om'.

De meddelade att de flyttar till en ny lokal.

They announced that they are moving to a new premises.

Present tense in 'att' clause implying future action.

Regeringen meddelade nya restriktioner för att stoppa smittan.

The government announced new restrictions to stop the infection.

Political context, plural noun 'restriktioner'.

Det har meddelats att skatten kommer att sänkas nästa år.

It has been announced that taxes will be lowered next year.

Passive voice 'har meddelats'.

Han meddelade sig med sin advokat innan han svarade.

He communicated with his lawyer before he answered.

Reflexive 'meddela sig'.

Vi måste meddela alla berörda parter om den nya policyn.

We must inform all concerned parties about the new policy.

Participle 'berörda' used as an adjective.

Skolan meddelade att undervisningen sker på distans.

The school announced that teaching will take place remotely.

Formal academic context.

Hon meddelade att hon drar sig ur tävlingen på grund av skada.

She announced that she is withdrawing from the competition due to injury.

Phrasal verb 'dra sig ur'.

Banken meddelade att de höjer räntan med en halv procentenhet.

The bank announced that they are raising the interest rate by half a percentage point.

Financial terminology.

Vänligen meddela din ankomst i receptionen.

Please announce your arrival at the reception.

Formal instructional Swedish.

Hovrätten meddelade dom i det uppmärksammade målet.

The Court of Appeal delivered judgment in the high-profile case.

Legal terminology 'meddela dom'.

Författaren meddelade i ett pressmeddelande att en ny bok är på väg.

The author announced in a press release that a new book is on the way.

Compound noun 'pressmeddelande'.

Det meddelades att förhandlingarna hade strandat.

It was announced that the negotiations had broken down.

Passive voice with pluperfect.

Han var föga meddelsam om sina framtidsplaner.

He was not very communicative about his future plans.

Adjective 'meddelsam' derived from the verb.

Myndigheten meddelade prövningstillstånd för ärendet.

The authority granted leave to appeal for the case.

Highly formal administrative Swedish.

De meddelade sitt missnöje genom en formell protest.

They communicated their dissatisfaction through a formal protest.

Abstract direct object 'missnöje'.

Resultaten kommer att meddelas så snart de har verifierats.

The results will be announced as soon as they have been verified.

Future passive construction.

Han meddelade sin avgång med omedelbar verkan.

He announced his resignation with immediate effect.

Formal phrase 'med omedelbar verkan'.

Konungen lät meddela att audienserna var inställda.

The King had it announced that the audiences were cancelled.

Causative 'låta' + infinitive, archaic/formal style.

I skriften meddelas sanningar som länge varit dolda.

In the text, truths that have long been hidden are communicated.

Literary passive voice.

Han meddelade sig endast via korta, kryptiska brev.

He communicated only via short, cryptic letters.

Reflexive use in a literary context.

Beslutet meddelades i enlighet med gällande lagstiftning.

The decision was issued in accordance with current legislation.

Complex prepositional phrase 'i enlighet med'.

Det torde meddelas att förslaget har vunnit laga kraft.

It should be announced that the proposal has gained legal force.

Modal 'torde' expressing probability/formality.

Vetenskapsrådet meddelade anslag till de mest lovande forskarna.

The Research Council announced grants to the most promising researchers.

Specific domain usage (grants/funding).

Hon meddelade sina tankar kring ämnet i en djuplodande essä.

She communicated her thoughts on the subject in an in-depth essay.

Abstract use in academic/literary context.

Meddelarskyddet är en grundbult i den svenska tryckfrihetsförordningen.

The protection of sources is a cornerstone of the Swedish Freedom of the Press Act.

Use of the compound noun in a constitutional context.

Collocations courantes

meddela förhinder

meddela i god tid

meddela dom

meddela beslut

meddela via e-post

meddela per telefon

meddela personligen

meddela skriftligen

meddela resultatet

meddela ändringar

Phrases Courantes

Låt mig meddela dig

— Let me inform you. Used to introduce a piece of news.

Låt mig meddela dig att vi har vunnit kontraktet!

Som tidigare meddelats

— As previously announced. Used to refer back to old info.

Som tidigare meddelats är kontoret stängt på måndag.

Meddela omgående

— Inform immediately. Used in urgent situations.

Meddela omgående om du ser något misstänkt.

Härmed meddelas

— Hereby announced. Very formal opening.

Härmed meddelas att ansökningstiden har gått ut.

Vi återkommer och meddelar

— We will get back to you and inform you.

Vi återkommer och meddelar så snart vi vet mer.

Meddela sin ankomst

— To announce one's arrival.

Gästerna meddelade sin ankomst vid grinden.

Meddela sitt intresse

— To express/notify one's interest.

Många har meddelat sitt intresse för tjänsten.

Meddela avslag

— To notify of a rejection.

Myndigheten meddelade avslag på hans ansökan.

Meddela bifall

— To notify of an approval.

Kommunen meddelade bifall till bygglovet.

Meddela i förtroende

— To inform in confidence.

Hon meddelade mig detta i förtroende.

Souvent confondu avec

meddela vs berätta

Berätta is for stories/narratives; meddela is for facts/notifications.

meddela vs säga

Säga is general 'say'; meddela is specifically 'to notify'.

meddela vs upplysa

Upplysa is to enlighten or clarify; meddela is to deliver a message.

Expressions idiomatiques

"meddela sig med någon"

— To get in touch or communicate with someone formally.

Han meddelade sig med redaktionen via brev.

Formal/Literary

"låta meddela"

— To have someone else deliver a message or to announce through a channel.

Direktören lät meddela att han var upptagen.

Formal

"meddela prövningstillstånd"

— A specific legal idiom meaning to grant leave to appeal.

Högsta domstolen meddelade prövningstillstånd.

Legal

"meddela tillstånd"

— To formally grant permission.

Polisen meddelade tillstånd för demonstrationen.

Administrative

"meddela dom"

— To officially deliver a court's verdict.

Rätten meddelar dom klockan 14:00.

Legal

"meddela avsked"

— To formally dismiss someone or announce a resignation.

Han meddelade sitt avsked från politiken.

Formal

"meddela nyheten"

— To break the news.

Hon fick det tunga uppdraget att meddela nyheten.

Neutral

"meddela via ombud"

— To inform through a representative.

Parterna meddelade sig via sina ombud.

Legal/Formal

"meddela i efterhand"

— To inform after the fact.

Beslutet meddelades i efterhand till de anställda.

Neutral

"meddela skriftligt"

— To give notice in writing.

Hyresvärden måste meddela höjningen skriftligt.

Formal

Facile à confondre

meddela vs berätta

Both mean 'to tell'.

Berätta involves a narrative flow or story. Meddela is a discrete piece of information or an official update.

Jag ska berätta en historia. Jag ska meddela resultatet.

meddela vs informera

Almost identical meaning.

Informera is a loanword and feels slightly more technical. Meddela is more native and versatile.

Vi informerar om säkerheten. Jag meddelar dig när jag är hemma.

meddela vs underrätta

Both mean 'to notify'.

Underrätta is much more formal and often used for serious or legal matters.

Familjen underrättades om dödsfallet.

meddela vs avisera

Both used for notifications.

Avisera is specifically for logistics, like a package or a payment reminder.

Hyran är aviserad.

meddela vs kungöra

Both mean 'to announce'.

Kungöra is archaic and used for public proclamations.

Kungen kungjorde sin dotters födelse.

Structures de phrases

Jag meddelar [person].

Jag meddelar dig.

Kan du meddela [person] om [sak]?

Kan du meddela mig om tiden?

[Subjekt] meddelade att [bisats].

Chefen meddelade att vi får sluta tidigt.

Det har meddelats att [bisats].

Det har meddelats att mötet är inställt.

[Myndighet] meddelar [beslut/dom].

Rätten meddelar dom imorgon.

[Subjekt] meddelade sig via [kanal].

Han meddelade sig via ett ombud.

Vänligen meddela [sak] senast [tid].

Vänligen meddela svar senast fredag.

Glöm inte att meddela [person]!

Glöm inte att meddela pappa!

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in professional and administrative contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Meddela till mig. → Meddela mig.
In Swedish, 'meddela' takes a direct object for the person. Adding 'till' is an English-influenced error.
Jag ska meddela en saga. → Jag ska berätta en saga.
You use 'berätta' for stories or fictional narratives. 'Meddela' is for facts and news.
Han meddelade sig bra. → Han uttryckte sig bra.
To express oneself is 'uttrycka sig'. 'Meddela sig' means to communicate with someone officially.
Meddela om olyckan till polisen. → Meddela polisen om olyckan.
The person/entity being informed should come immediately after the verb.
Meddela att du är klar. → Säg till när du är klar.
While 'meddela' is correct, it can sound too formal in a very casual setting with friends.

Astuces

Direct Object Rule

Always remember that the person you are informing is the direct object. No 'till' is needed. 'Meddela chefen' is the way to go!

Meddela vs. Berätta

If it's a fact, use 'meddela'. If it's a story, use 'berätta'. This simple rule will save you from many mistakes.

Email Etiquette

In professional emails, 'Jag meddelar dig...' sounds much more professional than 'Jag säger till dig...'.

The Long E

The second syllable '-de-' has a long 'e'. Make sure you don't shorten it, or it will sound like a different word.

Public Announcements

When you hear 'Vi meddelar...' at a station, pay attention! Important information is coming.

App Notifications

Your Swedish phone settings will use 'meddelande' for messages. It's the best way to see the word in action every day.

Meddela i god tid

Learn this phrase as a whole. It means 'inform in good time' and is highly valued in Swedish culture.

Legal Swedish

If you read news about courts, you will see 'meddela dom'. It's the official way to say 'deliver a verdict'.

Using 'Att'

Combine 'meddela' with 'att' to create complex sentences like 'Han meddelade att han kommer senare'.

With Share

Med (With) + Dela (Share). You are sharing with someone. It's a beautiful way to remember the meaning.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'MED-DELA' as 'ME DEALing' information to you. I share (dela) with (med) you.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person handing over a glowing envelope (the message) to another person. The envelope says 'INFO'.

Word Web

meddelande informera berätta säga nyheter e-post telefon besked

Défi

Try to use 'meddela' in three different contexts today: one about work, one about a social plan, and one about a personal status update.

Origine du mot

Derived from Middle Low German 'mededelen', which literally means 'to share with'.

Sens originel : To give a share of something, which evolved into sharing information.

Germanic (Indo-European)

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to sound too formal in very intimate settings, as it can create emotional distance.

In English, we often use 'let me know' or 'tell me'. 'Meddela' covers both but feels slightly more professional.

The Swedish TV news program 'Rapport' often uses the phrase 'Vi kan meddela att...' Swedish law books use 'meddela dom' as the standard phrase for verdicts. The song 'Ett meddelande' by various artists uses the noun form.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Workplace

Jag meddelar chefen.
Meddela förhinder.
Vi meddelar resultatet.
Vänligen meddela din status.

Travel

De meddelar förseningen.
Meddela din ankomst.
Vänligen meddela adressen.
De meddelar i högtalarna.

Social Plans

Meddela om du kommer.
Jag meddelar dig senare.
Kan du meddela henne?
Meddela när du är klar.

Customer Service

Vi meddelar via SMS.
Paketet är meddelat (aviserat).
Meddela oss om felet.
Vi meddelar när varan finns i lager.

News/Media

Polisen meddelar.
Regeringen meddelade idag.
Det meddelas att...
Källor meddelar.

Amorces de conversation

"Kan du meddela mig när du har fattat ett beslut om semestern?"

"Har du meddelat din familj att du ska flytta till Sverige?"

"Vem ska vi meddela om det blir några ändringar i planeringen?"

"Har de meddelat vinnaren i tävlingen ännu, eller väntar de fortfarande?"

"Skulle du kunna meddela mig så snart du får reda på provsvaren?"

Sujets d'écriture

Skriv om en gång när du var tvungen att meddela en svår nyhet till någon.

Hur föredrar du att meddela viktiga saker: via telefon, e-post eller ansikte mot ansikte?

Beskriv hur ett företag bör meddela sina kunder om en prishöjning på ett bra sätt.

Vad är det viktigaste meddelandet du någonsin har fått i ditt liv?

Reflektera över hur tekniken har ändrat sättet vi meddelar varandra saker på idag.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should use 'berätta' for jokes, stories, or anecdotes. 'Meddela' is for facts or news.

In modern Swedish, 'meddela' is transitive and takes a direct object. 'Meddela mig' is correct. 'Meddela till mig' is considered incorrect or very outdated.

Meddela is the verb (to inform), and meddelande is the noun (a message). Example: 'Jag ska meddela (verb) honom via ett meddelande (noun).'

Use 'informera' when you are talking about a large-scale dissemination of information or a technical briefing. 'Meddela' is better for direct notifications.

In a very specific sense, like 'meddela tillstånd' (give permission), but generally it means 'to communicate'.

Yes, it is very common, especially in work-related or logistical conversations.

You can say 'meddela mig' (neutral/formal) or 'säg till' (informal).

It means to notify someone that you cannot attend a scheduled meeting or event.

Absolutely. 'Jag meddelar dig när jag går' is a very common text message.

No, both 'd's are pronounced, but they are soft and dental.

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