When we talk about 'risk' in Swedish, we're referring to the possibility of something bad happening. It's often used in contexts where there's a chance of danger, loss, or harm.

For example, if you're engaging in a risky activity, you might say it involves 'stor risk' (great risk). Conversely, if something is relatively safe, you might say there's 'liten risk' (little risk).

It's a very common word in everyday Swedish, appearing in discussions about everything from financial investments to health choices.

Understanding 'risk' is key to grasping nuanced conversations and written materials at a B2 level and beyond.

risk en 30 secondes

  • danger
  • peril
  • hazard

§ Understanding 'risk' as a Noun

The Swedish word risk is a common noun and functions very similarly to its English counterpart 'risk'. It refers to a situation that involves exposure to danger, or the possibility that something unwelcome or unpleasant will happen. It's an important word to know for discussing potential problems, safety, and future uncertainties.

Definition
A situation involving exposure to danger.

§ Basic Sentence Structure with 'risk'

You'll often see risk used with verbs that express taking, running, or incurring a risk. Here are some fundamental ways to use it:

  • Ta en risk (To take a risk)
  • Löpa risk (To run a risk)
  • Innebära en risk (To involve a risk)

Vi måste ta en risk för att lyckas. (We must take a risk to succeed.)

Du löper risk för att förlora allt. (You run the risk of losing everything.)

Det innebär en stor risk att investera nu. (It involves a big risk to invest now.)

§ Prepositions with 'risk'

When talking about what the risk is *of* or *for*, you'll typically use specific prepositions. The most common ones are för (for/of) and sometimes att (to), followed by an infinitive verb.

  • Risk för något (Risk of/for something)
  • Risk att göra något (Risk of doing something / Risk to do something)

Det finns en risk för regn idag. (There is a risk of rain today.)

Han tog en stor risk för att rädda sin vän. (He took a big risk to save his friend.)

Det finns alltid en risk att misslyckas. (There is always a risk of failing / a risk to fail.)

§ 'Risk' in Common Phrases

You'll also encounter risk in several fixed expressions and phrases:

  • På egen risk (At one's own risk)
  • Med risk för livet (At the risk of one's life)
  • Utan risk (Without risk)

Du går in i grottan på egen risk. (You enter the cave at your own risk.)

Han kämpade med risk för livet. (He fought at the risk of his life.)

Att köra bil är inte utan risk. (Driving a car is not without risk.)

Understanding these common collocations and prepositional uses will greatly improve your ability to use risk naturally in Swedish conversations and writing.

Alright, let's talk about the Swedish word risk. It's a pretty straightforward one, as it's a cognate with the English 'risk'. However, just like in English, there are nuances, and some similar words you might encounter. Understanding when to use risk versus its alternatives is key to sounding natural in Swedish.

§ Definition of Risk

Definition
A situation involving exposure to danger or the possibility of something unwelcome or unpleasant happening.

As you can see, the core meaning is very much the same as in English. It's about potential negative outcomes.

§ Examples of Risk in Use

Det finns en stor risk att misslyckas.

(There is a high risk of failing.)

Vi måste ta den risken.

(We have to take that risk.)

Är det värt risken?

(Is it worth the risk?)

§ Similar Words and When to Use Them

While risk is often your go-to word, there are other Swedish words that touch upon similar concepts. Knowing these alternatives will help you speak more precisely.

  • Fara (danger, peril): This word is generally stronger than 'risk'. 'Fara' refers to a more immediate and serious threat, often something that is already present or very likely to cause harm.

Det finns en stor fara för liv och lem.

(There is great danger to life and limb.) Here, 'risk' would sound too mild. 'Fara' emphasizes the seriousness.

  • Hot (threat): 'Hot' refers to an intention to inflict harm or an indication of impending danger. It's often about something being warned about or actively posed.

De fick ett hot om att bli avskedade.

(They received a threat of being fired.) You wouldn't say 'risk' here; a 'hot' is a direct communication of potential harm.

  • Osäkerhet (uncertainty): While 'risk' implies an uncertain negative outcome, 'osäkerhet' is a broader term simply meaning 'uncertainty' without necessarily implying danger.

Det råder stor osäkerhet kring framtiden.

(There is great uncertainty about the future.) Here, 'risk' might be part of the uncertainty, but 'osäkerhet' describes the general lack of clarity.

§ When to Choose 'Risk'

Use risk when you are talking about the probability or possibility of an undesirable event. It's often used in contexts where you can evaluate or quantify the chance of something bad happening. It's less about immediate danger and more about potential future issues or decisions that involve exposure to negative outcomes.

Think of it this way:

  • You take a risk (ta en risk) when you do something that has potential negative consequences.
  • There is a risk (det finns en risk) that something bad will happen.
  • You assess the risk (bedöma risken) of a project.

Mastering the subtle differences between these words will greatly improve your Swedish fluency and accuracy. Keep practicing these distinctions!

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"Det finns en överhängande fara för global uppvärmning. (There is an imminent danger of global warming.)"

Neutre

"Det finns en risk för regn imorgon. (There is a risk of rain tomorrow.)"

Informel

"Det är en ganska stor chans att det blir bra. (There's a pretty big chance it'll turn out well.)"

Child friendly

"Akta dig! Det är oj-oj att ramla där. (Watch out! It's 'uh-oh' to fall there.)"

Argot

"Det är en riktigt kass situation om du glömmer paraplyet. (It's a really 'crap situation' if you forget your umbrella.)"

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'risk' is a loanword from French 'risque', which in turn comes from Italian 'risco' or 'rischio'. It has been part of the Swedish language for a long time and is widely used.

Exemples par niveau

1

Det finns alltid en risk när man investerar pengar.

There is always a risk when one invests money.

2

Vi måste minska risken för olyckor.

We must reduce the risk of accidents.

3

Hon tog en stor risk när hon bytte jobb.

She took a big risk when she changed job.

4

Är du medveten om riskerna med det här projektet?

Are you aware of the risks with this project?

5

En allvarlig risk är att tekniken inte fungerar som den ska.

A serious risk is that the technology does not work as it should.

6

Det är en risk att resa ensam i vissa områden.

It is a risk to travel alone in certain areas.

7

Läkaren pratade om riskerna med operationen.

The doctor talked about the risks with the operation.

8

Utan risk, ingen vinst.

Without risk, no gain.

1

Att köra bil i det här vädret är en stor risk.

Driving a car in this weather is a big risk.

2

Det finns alltid en risk med att investera i aktier.

There is always a risk with investing in stocks.

3

Han tog en onödig risk genom att hoppa från klippan.

He took an unnecessary risk by jumping from the cliff.

4

Riskerna med att inte följa säkerhetsföreskrifterna är allvarliga.

The risks of not following the safety regulations are serious.

5

Läkaren förklarade riskerna med operationen.

The doctor explained the risks of the operation.

6

Att vara ensam hemma sent på kvällen kan innebära en risk.

Being home alone late at night can involve a risk.

7

De bestämde sig för att ta risken trots varningarna.

They decided to take the risk despite the warnings.

8

Det finns en risk att projektet inte blir klart i tid.

There is a risk that the project will not be finished on time.

Souvent confondu avec

risk vs Risker och möjligheter

This phrase translates to 'Risks and opportunities' and is commonly used in business and planning contexts, clearly distinguishing risk from positive outcomes.

risk vs Ta en risk

Meaning 'to take a risk', this is a common idiomatic expression where 'risk' functions as the object of the verb 'ta' (to take).

risk vs Riskbedömning

This compound word means 'risk assessment' and is used to evaluate potential dangers, highlighting the analytical aspect of 'risk'.

Facile à confondre

risk vs fara

'Fara' directly translates to 'danger' and is often confused with 'risk' because a risk involves danger. However, 'fara' refers to the inherent dangerousness of a situation or object.

'Risk' is the probability or chance of something bad happening, while 'fara' is the actual threat or dangerous element itself.

Det finns en stor brandfara i gamla byggnader. (There is a great fire danger in old buildings.)

risk vs hot

'Hot' means 'threat', which can be seen as a type of risk or danger. Learners often mix them up as both imply something negative that could happen.

'Risk' is about the likelihood of an unwanted event. 'Hot' is a declaration of intent to cause harm or an impending danger, often from an external source.

Företaget fick ett bombhot. (The company received a bomb threat.)

risk vs chans

'Chans' means 'chance' or 'opportunity'. It's confusing because 'risk' also involves a 'chance' (of something negative happening).

'Risk' almost always implies a negative outcome, while 'chans' can be neutral or positive, referring to an opportunity or a possibility. You take a risk; you have a chance.

Han fick en chans att studera utomlands. (He got a chance to study abroad.)

risk vs osäkerhet

'Osäkerhet' means 'uncertainty'. Since risks involve uncertainty about future outcomes, these words can be conflated.

'Risk' specifically refers to the potential for negative outcomes due to uncertainty. 'Osäkerhet' is a broader term for a lack of certainty about anything, without necessarily implying danger.

Det råder stor osäkerhet kring valresultatet. (There is great uncertainty surrounding the election result.)

risk vs våga

'Våga' means 'to dare' or 'to risk'. Learners often confuse the verb 'to risk' with the noun 'risk'.

'Våga' is an action verb. 'Risk' is a noun referring to the potential danger. You 'vågar' (dare) to take a 'risk'.

Jag vågar inte hoppa från klippan. (I don't dare to jump from the cliff.)

Famille de mots

Noms

riskabel risky
riskfaktor risk factor
risktagare risk-taker
riskbedömning risk assessment
riskfri risk-free

Verbes

riska to risk (less common, often 'riskera')
riskera to risk

Adjectifs

riskabel risky
riskfylld risky, full of risk
riskfri risk-free

Astuces

Same word, similar meaning

The Swedish word risk is a cognate with the English word risk, meaning they share a similar origin and often a similar meaning. This makes it easier to remember!

Using risk in sentences

You'll often see 'risk' used with prepositions. For example, 'en risk för något' (a risk for something) or 'en risk med något' (a risk with something).

Common phrases with risk

Learn common phrases:

  • 'ta en risk' (to take a risk)
  • 'på egen risk' (at one's own risk)
  • 'löpa risk' (to run a risk)

Plural of risk

The plural of risk is risker. Pay attention to the -er ending for common Swedish nouns.

Don't confuse with 'resa'

Be careful not to confuse risk with resa (to travel or a journey). They sound similar but have very different meanings.

Synonyms for risk

Other words that can convey a similar meaning include fara (danger) or hot (threat). However, risk is often more about the potentiality of danger.

Antonyms for risk

Consider words like säkerhet (safety) or trygghet (security) as opposites to risk. This helps solidify your understanding.

Risk as part of compound words

Risk can be part of compound words, like riskfylld (risky/full of risk) or riskfaktor (risk factor). Understanding these expands your vocabulary.

Practice with example sentences

Create your own sentences! For instance: 'Det finns en risk att det regnar imorgon.' (There is a risk that it rains tomorrow.)

Swedish perspective on risk

Swedes are generally pragmatic. Discussions around risk often involve evaluating potential outcomes logically. You might hear 'Vi måste bedöma riskerna' (We must assess the risks).

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of the English word 'risk' – it sounds and means almost the same! This is a cognate, which makes it super easy to remember.

Association visuelle

Imagine a bright red warning sign with the word 'RISK' on it, perhaps near a slippery patch of ice or a steep cliff. The vivid color and clear danger should help you associate 'risk' with peril.

Word Web

fara (danger) hot (threat) riskfylld (risky) ta en risk (to take a risk) hög risk (high risk)

Défi

Try to form a sentence in Swedish using 'risk.' For example: 'Det finns en stor risk att det regnar imorgon.' (There is a big risk that it will rain tomorrow.)

Origine du mot

risk (noun)

Sens originel : danger, peril

Swedish

Contexte culturel

In Sweden, the concept of 'risk' is often discussed in the context of safety and preparedness. Swedes generally appreciate clear communication about potential risks, whether it's related to health, finance, or outdoor activities. There's a cultural emphasis on being well-informed and taking precautions.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, 'risk' in Swedish is pronounced very similarly to 'risk' in English, with a short 'i' sound. It's an easy one to remember!

No, 'risk' is primarily a noun in Swedish. The verb form for 'to risk' is 'riska' or more commonly 'att ta risker' (to take risks).

A very common phrase is 'ta en risk', which means 'to take a risk'. For example, 'Du måste våga ta en risk' (You must dare to take a risk).

Absolutely! You can specify the type of risk by adding an adjective or another noun. For instance, 'finansiell risk' (financial risk) or 'hälsorisk' (health risk).

To say 'at risk' in Swedish, you would typically use 'i riskzonen' (in the risk zone) or 'hotad' (threatened/at risk, often for species). For example, 'Barn är i riskzonen för att utveckla allergier' (Children are at risk of developing allergies).

Like in English, 'risk' in Swedish usually carries a negative connotation, implying potential danger or loss. However, phrases like 'ta en chans' (to take a chance) or 'ta en risk' can sometimes imply a calculated gamble with potential positive outcomes.

The plural form of 'risk' is 'risker'. So, one risk is 'en risk', and multiple risks are 'flera risker'.

Yes, you can! You would say 'Det finns en stor risk för regn' (There is a big risk of rain) or 'hög risk för regn' (high risk of rain).

While 'risk' is very common, you might also hear 'fara' (danger) which is a broader term, or 'hot' (threat). 'Risk' specifically emphasizes the potential exposure to danger.

'Risk' often implies a negative or dangerous outcome, while 'chans' is more neutral or even positive, referring to an opportunity or a possibility. For example, 'Det finns en risk för att misslyckas' (There's a risk of failing) versus 'Det finns en chans att lyckas' (There's a chance to succeed).

Teste-toi 54 questions

listening B1

Listen for the word 'risk' and understand the context of the sentence.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Det finns en stor risk att vädret blir sämre.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening B1

Focus on how 'risken' is used in relation to safety.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vi måste minska risken för olyckor på arbetsplatsen.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening B1

Identify 'risk' and interpret the meaning of taking a big risk.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Han tog en stor risk när han startade eget företag.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking B1

Read this aloud:

Vilken risk är du villig att ta?

Focus: villig att ta

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking B1

Read this aloud:

Det finns alltid en viss risk med nya investeringar.

Focus: viss risk, investeringar

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking B1

Read this aloud:

Undvik onödiga risker i trafiken.

Focus: undvik, onödiga risker

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
sentence order B1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Det finns en risk för förseningar.

This sentence means 'There is a risk of delays.'

sentence order B1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Jag vill inte ta den risken.

This sentence means 'I don't want to take that risk.'

sentence order B1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Det är en riskabel situation.

This sentence means 'It is a risky situation.'

fill blank B2

Att köra bil utan bälte innebär en stor ___.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : risk

In this context, 'risk' (risk) is the most appropriate word to describe the danger involved in driving without a seatbelt.

fill blank B2

Det finns alltid en ___ att misslyckas när man prövar något nytt.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : risk

'Risk' (risk) fits here as it refers to the possibility of failure when trying something new.

fill blank B2

En hög ___ för brand finns i torra skogar.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : risk

Here, 'risk' (risk) indicates the potential danger of fire in dry forests.

fill blank B2

Företaget tar en stor ekonomisk ___ genom att investera i det nya projektet.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : risk

The sentence implies a potential financial danger, so 'risk' (risk) is the correct choice.

fill blank B2

Det är en ___ att gå ensam i den staden på natten.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : risk

This sentence describes a dangerous situation, making 'risk' (risk) the most fitting word.

fill blank B2

Läkaren förklarade vilka hälsorisker som fanns, men jag bestämde mig ändå för att ta ___.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : risken

To 'take the risk' (ta risken) means to accept the danger. 'Risken' (the risk) is the correct form here.

sentence order B2

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Det finns en risk att projektet misslyckas.

This sentence means 'There is a risk that the project will fail.' The word order for a statement in Swedish is typically subject-verb-object, and in this case, 'risk' is part of the object phrase.

sentence order B2

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vi måste minimera risken för skador.

This means 'We must minimize the risk of damage.' 'Risken' is the definite form of 'risk' and is the direct object of 'minimera'.

sentence order B2

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Hon tog en stor risk när hon investerade pengarna.

This translates to 'She took a big risk when she invested the money.' The phrase 'tog en stor risk' is a common collocation.

multiple choice C1

Vilken av följande situationer innebär störst risk?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Att köra bil på en isig väg

Körning på isig väg innebär en hög exponering för fara, vilket är kärnan i begreppet 'risk'.

multiple choice C1

Vilket ord är en synonym till 'risk' i betydelsen 'fara'?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Fara

'Fara' är ett direkt synonym till 'risk' när det handlar om exponering för något negativt eller skadligt.

multiple choice C1

Vilket alternativ beskriver bäst en 'kalkylerad risk'?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : En risk som man har bedömt och valt att ta trots potentiella negativa konsekvenser

En kalkylerad risk innebär att man medvetet har vägt för- och nackdelar och bestämt sig för att ta risken.

true false C1

Att investera pengar på aktiemarknaden innebär alltid en viss risk.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vrai

Aktiemarknaden är känd för att ha fluktuationer, vilket innebär att det alltid finns en risk att förlora pengar, även om det också finns en möjlighet att tjäna dem.

true false C1

En hög risk innebär alltid att en katastrof är oundviklig.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux

En hög risk innebär en större sannolikhet för att en fara inträffar, men det garanterar inte att en katastrof är oundviklig. Åtgärder kan vidtas för att minska risken.

true false C1

Säkerhetsåtgärder syftar ofta till att minska risken för olyckor.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vrai

Säkerhetsåtgärder implementeras just för att sänka sannolikheten för att farliga situationer uppstår eller för att mildra konsekvenserna om de inträffar.

sentence order C1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Det finns en risk att projektet misslyckas.

This sentence structure is common when discussing potential negative outcomes. 'Det finns en risk att...' translates to 'There is a risk that...'

sentence order C1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Hon utsatte sig för stor risk genom att resa ensam.

The phrase 'utsätta sig för risk' means 'to expose oneself to risk.' It's important to use the reflexive pronoun 'sig' here.

sentence order C1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vi måste överväga alla risker innan vi fattar ett beslut.

'Överväga' means 'to consider' or 'to weigh.' This sentence emphasizes the importance of evaluating risks before making a decision.

multiple choice C2

Vilket ord är en synonym till 'risk'?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Fara

'Fara' (danger) är den närmaste synonymen till 'risk'.

multiple choice C2

Vad innebär det att 'ta en risk'?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Att medvetet utsätta sig för en potentiell fara

Att 'ta en risk' betyder att man medvetet utsätter sig för en potentiell fara eller ett negativt utfall.

multiple choice C2

Vilket av följande uttryck handlar INTE om risk?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Det är helt riskfritt.

'Riskfritt' betyder utan risk, alltså motsatsen till att handla om risk.

true false C2

Att 'minimera risken' betyder att helt eliminera all fara.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux

Att 'minimera risken' innebär att man försöker reducera faran till en så låg nivå som möjligt, inte att helt eliminera den.

true false C2

En 'hög risk' innebär att sannolikheten för ett negativt utfall är stor.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vrai

Om risken är hög är sannolikheten för att något negativt ska inträffa stor.

true false C2

Ordet 'risk' kan endast användas i sammanhang som rör fysisk fara.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux

Ordet 'risk' kan användas i många olika sammanhang, inte bara fysisk fara, utan även ekonomiska, sociala eller andra typer av risker.

listening C2

Listen for 'riskerna' and understand the context of the decision.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Trots riskerna bestämde de sig för att fortsätta med expeditionen.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening C2

Pay attention to 'ignorera' and 'medför stora risker'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Att ignorera säkerhetsprotokollen medför stora risker för alla inblandade.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening C2

Identify 'ökade risker' and the subject 'forskare'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Forskare varnar för ökade risker för översvämningar i regionen.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking C2

Read this aloud:

Vilka risker är du beredd att ta för att uppnå dina mål?

Focus: risker, beredd, uppnå

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking C2

Read this aloud:

Vi måste noggrant överväga riskerna innan vi fattar ett slutgiltigt beslut.

Focus: noggrant, överväga, slutgiltigt

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking C2

Read this aloud:

Trots alla potentiella risker, valde de att satsa helhjärtat.

Focus: potentiella, risker, helhjärtat

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
sentence order C2

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : På grund av den ökade risken för översvämningar evakuerades byn.

This sentence describes the evacuation of a village due to an increased risk of flooding. The phrase 'På grund av' means 'due to'.

sentence order C2

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Företaget stod inför en betydande risk för ekonomiska svårigheter.

This sentence indicates that the company was facing a significant risk of economic difficulties. 'Stod inför' means 'faced'.

sentence order C2

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Att inte följa säkerhetsföreskrifterna innebär en allvarlig risk för olyckor.

This sentence explains that not following safety regulations poses a serious risk of accidents. 'Innebär' means 'implies' or 'entails'.

/ 54 correct

Perfect score!

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