Meaning
To reduce consumption.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Dra ner på' is a key part of the 'Lagom' lifestyle. It is socially respected to reduce consumption for the sake of the environment or health. In Swedish business culture, 'dra ner på personal' (cutting staff) is a sensitive topic often discussed with a focus on 'trygghet' (security) and long-term sustainability. Swedish doctors often use 'dra ner på' to give advice that feels collaborative rather than authoritative. Sweden is a leader in 'circular economy' thinking, where 'dra ner på nyinköp' (cutting down on new purchases) is a common social goal.
The 'På' Rule
Always remember the 'på'. If you forget it, you're just pulling things down physically!
Volume vs. Consumption
Don't use this for the TV volume. Use 'sänka' for that.
Meaning
To reduce consumption.
The 'På' Rule
Always remember the 'på'. If you forget it, you're just pulling things down physically!
Volume vs. Consumption
Don't use this for the TV volume. Use 'sänka' for that.
Polite Declining
Use 'Jag drar ner på...' as a polite way to say no to cake or alcohol without sounding rude.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to say 'I am cutting down on coffee'.
Jag ______ ______ ______ kaffe.
The standard phrase is 'drar ner på'.
Which sentence is correct for a doctor giving advice?
A: Du bör sänka socker. B: Du bör dra ner på sockret. C: Du bör dra ner socker.
B uses the correct phrasal verb and preposition.
Complete the dialogue about saving money.
A: Vi har inga pengar kvar! B: Nej, vi måste verkligen ______ ______ ______ våra utgifter.
'Dra ner på' means to reduce, which is what you do with expenses.
Match the phrase variation to the context.
1. Skära ner på personal. 2. Dra ner på tempot. 3. Dra ner på socker.
'Skära ner' is common for layoffs, 'tempot' for stress, and 'socker' for health.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Dra ner på vs. Sänka
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJag ______ ______ ______ kaffe.
The standard phrase is 'drar ner på'.
A: Du bör sänka socker. B: Du bör dra ner på sockret. C: Du bör dra ner socker.
B uses the correct phrasal verb and preposition.
A: Vi har inga pengar kvar! B: Nej, vi måste verkligen ______ ______ ______ våra utgifter.
'Dra ner på' means to reduce, which is what you do with expenses.
1. Skära ner på personal. 2. Dra ner på tempot. 3. Dra ner på socker.
'Skära ner' is common for layoffs, 'tempot' for stress, and 'socker' for health.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, you cannot 'dra ner på' a person. If you want to see someone less, use 'träffa [någon] mer sällan'.
'Minska' is a general verb for 'decrease'. 'Dra ner på' is an idiom specifically for habits and consumption.
Both are correct. 'Ner' is more common in speech, while 'ned' is slightly more formal/written.
Yes, you can 'dra ner på tiden' you spend on something, like 'dra ner på arbetstiden'.
Yes, if you are talking about efficiency: 'Jag hjälpte företaget att dra ner på onödiga utgifter'.
Use the preteritum: 'Jag drog ner på...'.
Not necessarily. It usually sounds positive, like you are taking control of your life.
You don't 'dra ner på' weight (vikt), you 'går ner i vikt'. But you 'drar ner på kalorier' to lose weight.
No, it is standard Swedish used by everyone from teenagers to the King.
There isn't a perfect single idiom, but you could say 'öka på' or 'lägga till'.
Related Phrases
skära ner på
synonymTo cut down on
minska
similarTo decrease
dra in på
specialized formTo cut back/tighten the belt
hålla igen
similarTo hold back
sänka
contrastTo lower
