Meaning
To leave a place quickly.
Cultural Background
Swedes value their free time and 'stugliv' (cabin life). 'Dra iväg' is the unofficial slogan for Friday afternoons when people leave the city for their cabins. In Finland-Swedish, 'dra iväg' is also common, but you might also hear 'sticka' used even more frequently in casual speech. Norwegians use 'dra av gårde,' which is very similar. The shared Viking heritage of 'draga' (to pull) remains strong across Scandinavia. In Swedish startup culture, 'dra iväg' is used for rapid execution, like 'dra iväg en MVP' (launch an MVP quickly).
The 'Ska vi dra?' Shortcut
In very casual settings, you can drop the 'iväg' entirely. Just say 'Ska vi dra?' to your friends.
Watch the Tense
Don't forget that 'dra' is irregular. Using 'drade' will mark you as a beginner immediately.
Meaning
To leave a place quickly.
The 'Ska vi dra?' Shortcut
In very casual settings, you can drop the 'iväg' entirely. Just say 'Ska vi dra?' to your friends.
Watch the Tense
Don't forget that 'dra' is irregular. Using 'drade' will mark you as a beginner immediately.
The Polite Exit
Even though it's informal, it's not rude. It's a very standard way to end a social encounter in Sweden.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'dra iväg' in the past tense.
De ___ till stranden för två timmar sedan.
The sentence says 'two hours ago' (för två timmar sedan), so we need the past tense 'drog'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I'm heading out' to a friend?
A: Jag avviker nu. B: Jag drar iväg nu. C: Jag drar ut nu.
B is the most natural informal expression. A is too formal, and C means something else.
Complete the dialogue.
Olle: 'Filmen börjar om tio minuter!' Sara: 'Oj! Då måste vi ___ direkt!'
In a situation of urgency, 'dra iväg' is the correct phrase for leaving.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Dra iväg ett mejl. 2. Dra iväg på semester. 3. Dra iväg från festen.
The phrase is versatile and fits all three contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Dra iväg'
Social
- • Parties
- • Cafés
- • Dinner
Travel
- • Road trips
- • Vacations
- • Airport
Digital
- • Emails
- • SMS
- • Chat
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDe ___ till stranden för två timmar sedan.
The sentence says 'two hours ago' (för två timmar sedan), so we need the past tense 'drog'.
A: Jag avviker nu. B: Jag drar iväg nu. C: Jag drar ut nu.
B is the most natural informal expression. A is too formal, and C means something else.
Olle: 'Filmen börjar om tio minuter!' Sara: 'Oj! Då måste vi ___ direkt!'
In a situation of urgency, 'dra iväg' is the correct phrase for leaving.
1. Dra iväg ett mejl. 2. Dra iväg på semester. 3. Dra iväg från festen.
The phrase is versatile and fits all three contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! It's very common and friendly among peers. Just avoid it with your CEO or at a wedding.
Yes! 'Dra iväg ett mejl' is a very common way to say you'll send a quick electronic message.
'Sticka' is slightly more informal/slangy. 'Dra' is the standard casual choice.
Use the past tense: 'Jag drog iväg.'
No, it implies some level of speed or purpose. For a slow walk, use 'promenera.'
Yes, it is a universal Swedish expression used from Malmö to Kiruna.
Absolutely. It's a perfect way to describe your morning departure for work.
It means to 'run away with the win' or win decisively.
It is always written as one word in modern Swedish.
Yes, 'Hunden drog iväg efter katten' (The dog bolted after the cat).
Related Phrases
sticka iväg
synonymTo bolt or leave quickly.
ge sig av
similarTo depart.
avvika
formalTo depart/deviate.
dra ut på
contrastTo prolong something.
dra igång
builds onTo start something.
