Meaning
The moment to start doing something.
Cultural Background
Punctuality is a core Swedish value. Saying 'Det är dags' is not just a suggestion; it's a way to maintain social order and respect everyone's schedule. In Swedish 'flat' hierarchies, a boss uses 'Det är dags' to lead without sounding like a dictator. It appeals to the shared schedule rather than personal authority. Fika is a sacred institution. 'Dags för fika' is perhaps the most welcome sentence in any Swedish office, signaling a mandatory social break. Swedes value a clear 'tack för senast' (thanks for last time) and a clear ending to an evening. 'Det är dags att dra sig' is the polite way to avoid 'overstaying' your welcome.
Sound like a local
Drop the 'Det är' and just say 'Dags att...' when you're with friends. It sounds much more natural.
The 'S' is key
Never forget the 's' in 'dags'. Saying 'Det är dag att' is a very obvious beginner mistake.
Meaning
The moment to start doing something.
Sound like a local
Drop the 'Det är' and just say 'Dags att...' when you're with friends. It sounds much more natural.
The 'S' is key
Never forget the 's' in 'dags'. Saying 'Det är dag att' is a very obvious beginner mistake.
The Polite Exit
If you want to leave a party, start with 'Ja, det är väl dags att...' to signal your departure gently.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word (dags or tid).
Det är ____ att gå till jobbet nu.
'Dags' is the correct idiomatic word for 'time to do something' in Swedish.
Choose the correct preposition.
Det är dags ____ en kopp kaffe.
We use 'för' when the phrase is followed by a noun (en kopp kaffe).
Complete the dialogue with the correct word order.
A: Ska vi gå snart? B: Ja, nu ____ ____ ____ att gå.
Because the sentence starts with 'Nu,' the verb 'är' must come before the subject 'det' (V2 rule).
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase is most urgent?
'Hög tid' implies that the action is overdue and urgent.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDet är ____ att gå till jobbet nu.
'Dags' is the correct idiomatic word for 'time to do something' in Swedish.
Det är dags ____ en kopp kaffe.
We use 'för' when the phrase is followed by a noun (en kopp kaffe).
A: Ska vi gå snart? B: Ja, nu ____ ____ ____ att gå.
Because the sentence starts with 'Nu,' the verb 'är' must come before the subject 'det' (V2 rule).
Which phrase is most urgent?
'Hög tid' implies that the action is overdue and urgent.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYou can, but it sounds very old-fashioned or like a direct translation from English. Use 'dags' for 99% of situations.
Use 'att' before a verb (dags att äta) and 'för' before a noun (dags för mat).
It is always 'dags' in this expression. The 's' is a fossilized genitive ending.
Yes! 'Det var dags att gå' means 'It was time to go.'
No, as long as your tone is helpful. It's a common way to manage time in meetings.
Related Phrases
Det är hög tid
specialized formIt is high time / It is overdue
Det är dags för
similarIt is time for [noun]
Det är på tiden
similarIt's about time
Att tänka på refrängen
idiomTo think about leaving
