Meaning
Staying hydrated.
Cultural Background
Tap water is of such high quality that buying bottled water is often seen as an unnecessary environmental burden. Similar to Sweden, Finland has vast freshwater resources and a culture that values the purity of 'dricka vatten' from nature. In Norway, drinking water from mountain streams is common during 'fjellturer' (mountain hikes), but one must be careful of 'harepest' (tularemia). The '8 glasses a day' rule is well-known in Sweden, often discussed in the context of 'dricka vatten' for skin health.
Free Water
In Swedish restaurants, if you order a meal, tap water is almost always included or available for a very small fee. Just ask for 'en karaff kranvatten'.
The 'Dricka' Trap
Remember that 'dricka' is irregular. Don't say 'drickade' for the past tense; it's 'drack'.
Meaning
Staying hydrated.
Free Water
In Swedish restaurants, if you order a meal, tap water is almost always included or available for a very small fee. Just ask for 'en karaff kranvatten'.
The 'Dricka' Trap
Remember that 'dricka' is irregular. Don't say 'drickade' for the past tense; it's 'drack'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'dricka' (present tense).
Jag är törstig, så jag _______ vatten.
The present tense of 'dricka' is 'dricker'.
Which sentence is correct for 'I drank water yesterday'?
Igår _______ jag vatten.
'Drack' is the past tense (preteritum) form.
Match the Swedish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are basic variations of the phrase and its components.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Är du törstig? B: Ja, jag måste _______.
If you are thirsty (törstig), you need to drink water.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Water to Drink
Source
- • Kranvatten
- • Källvatten
- • Sjövatten
Style
- • Stilla vatten
- • Kolsyrat vatten
- • Isvatten
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJag är törstig, så jag _______ vatten.
The present tense of 'dricka' is 'dricker'.
Igår _______ jag vatten.
'Drack' is the past tense (preteritum) form.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are basic variations of the phrase and its components.
A: Är du törstig? B: Ja, jag måste _______.
If you are thirsty (törstig), you need to drink water.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, tap water in Sweden is among the safest and cleanest in the world. You can drink it from any kitchen or bathroom tap unless there is a specific sign saying otherwise.
Vatten is an 'ett-word' (ett vatten). However, in a restaurant, you might hear people say 'en vatten' as shorthand for 'en flaska vatten' (a bottle of water).
You ask for 'kolsyrat vatten' or simply 'bubbelvatten'.
'Dricka' is neutral. 'Supa' is slang for drinking large amounts of alcohol to get drunk. Never use 'supa' when talking about water!
Related Phrases
släcka törsten
similarto quench one's thirst
dricksvatten
specialized formpotable water
vattenhål
figurativewatering hole
vattna
builds onto water (plants/animals)
