Signification
Intentions matter more than the result.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is deeply tied to 'Lagom'. Giving a gift that is too expensive can be seen as 'skryt' (bragging), so this phrase protects both the giver and the receiver. Similar usage, but often with an even stronger emphasis on practical help. If you help a neighbor clear snow and do a poor job, they will use this to remain polite. Norway uses 'Det er tanken som teller'. It is almost identical, but uses the verb 'teller' instead of 'räknas'. In modern Swedish startups, this phrase is sometimes used ironically when a 'ping-pong table' is offered instead of a salary raise.
Use it for small favors
If someone holds the elevator for you but you miss it anyway, say it! It shows you saw their effort.
Watch your tone
If you say it too slowly or with a sigh, it can sound like you are actually disappointed.
Signification
Intentions matter more than the result.
Use it for small favors
If someone holds the elevator for you but you miss it anyway, say it! It shows you saw their effort.
Watch your tone
If you say it too slowly or with a sigh, it can sound like you are actually disappointed.
The 'Ju' addition
Add 'ju' (Det är ju tanken som räknas) to make it sound more natural and like a shared truth.
Gift Etiquette
Swedes often downplay their own gifts. If someone says 'Det är inte mycket,' you should reply with this phrase.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
Det är _______ som _______.
The standard form uses the definite noun 'tanken' and the deponent verb 'räknas'.
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to say 'Det är tanken som räknas'?
Situation: Your friend accidentally breaks your TV while trying to clean it.
The phrase is used to prioritize the good intention over the bad result.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Här är en liten present, jag hoppas du gillar den. B: Åh, tack! ________.
This is the standard polite response to a small gift.
Which of these is a common variation of the phrase?
Variation check:
'Viljan' (the will) is the most common synonym for 'tanken' in this context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Synonyms and Opposites
Synonyms
- • Det är viljan som räknas
- • Tanken var god
Opposites
- • Resultatet är allt
- • Prislappen spelar roll
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDet är _______ som _______.
The standard form uses the definite noun 'tanken' and the deponent verb 'räknas'.
Situation: Your friend accidentally breaks your TV while trying to clean it.
The phrase is used to prioritize the good intention over the bad result.
A: Här är en liten present, jag hoppas du gillar den. B: Åh, tack! ________.
This is the standard polite response to a small gift.
Variation check:
'Viljan' (the will) is the most common synonym for 'tanken' in this context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it can be. If someone gives you a Rolex and you say 'it's the thought that counts,' it sounds like you think the watch is cheap or ugly. Only use it for small or 'failed' gestures.
Yes, but mostly for social things (like someone bringing cookies). Don't use it for missed deadlines or business failures.
'Tanken' is the idea/consideration. 'Viljan' is the will/effort. They are mostly interchangeable in this phrase.
It is a deponent verb. It has a passive ending (-s) but an active meaning (to count/to matter).
No, that would mean 'The thought is doing math.' You must use 'räknas'.
Extremely. You will hear it at almost every birthday party or Christmas gathering.
Usually with a smile and a 'Ja, precis' (Yes, exactly) or 'Tack för att du förstår' (Thanks for understanding).
Not really a fixed one, but you could say 'Tanken räcker inte' (The thought isn't enough).
Yes, often in comedies where a character gives a terrible gift.
Yes, if you are apologizing for a small gift: 'Hoppas du gillar den, det är ju tanken som räknas.'
Expressions liées
Det är viljan som räknas
synonymIt is the will that counts.
Tanken var god
similarThe thought was good.
Huvudsaken är att man försöker
builds onThe main thing is that one tries.
Resultatet är det enda som räknas
contrastThe result is the only thing that counts.
