Meaning
To harm something or someone
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Allemansrätten' dictates that you can walk anywhere in nature as long as you don't 'göra skada'. This is a core part of Swedish identity. In Swedish offices, admitting you 'gjort skada' (made a mistake/caused harm) is respected more than hiding it, due to the value of 'ärlighet' (honesty). In Finland-Swedish, 'göra skada' is used similarly, but you might also hear 'vålla' more frequently in everyday speech compared to Sweden. Swedes abroad often use 'göra skada' as a literal translation of 'to do harm', even when 'hurt' might be more appropriate in English, showing how deeply the collocation is ingrained.
Drop the 'en'
For abstract harm (like reputation or the environment), drop the 'en'. Say 'göra skada' instead of 'göra en skada' to sound more native.
Pain vs. Damage
Never use 'skada' for a headache or a stomach ache. That's always 'ont'.
Meaning
To harm something or someone
Drop the 'en'
For abstract harm (like reputation or the environment), drop the 'en'. Say 'göra skada' instead of 'göra en skada' to sound more native.
Pain vs. Damage
Never use 'skada' for a headache or a stomach ache. That's always 'ont'.
The 'Lagom' approach
If you cause damage in Sweden, apologize immediately. Swedes value social harmony and taking responsibility.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'göra'.
I går ______ jag en skada på min mammas bil.
The sentence starts with 'I går' (Yesterday), so we need the past tense 'gjorde'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'The sun harms the skin'?
'Göra skada på' is the correct collocation and preposition for physical damage.
Match the Swedish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are common variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Varför är du ledsen? B: Jag råkade spilla kaffe på min dator. A: Oj! ______ det någon skada?
The speaker is asking if the coffee *did* (past tense) any damage.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Skada vs. Ont
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI går ______ jag en skada på min mammas bil.
The sentence starts with 'I går' (Yesterday), so we need the past tense 'gjorde'.
How do you say 'The sun harms the skin'?
'Göra skada på' is the correct collocation and preposition for physical damage.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common variations of the phrase.
A: Varför är du ledsen? B: Jag råkade spilla kaffe på min dator. A: Oj! ______ det någon skada?
The speaker is asking if the coffee *did* (past tense) any damage.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot really. For a broken heart, use 'krossa någons hjärta'. 'Göra skada' sounds too much like a physical or technical problem.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or at work. For very formal legal documents, use 'vålla skada'.
'Att skada' is the action (to harm). 'En skada' is the result (an injury). 'Göra skada' is a common way to use the noun in a sentence.
It's a fixed idiom meaning 'more harm than good'. 'Nytta' means 'usefulness' or 'benefit'.
Yes, for example: 'Hunden gjorde skada på soffan' (The dog damaged the sofa).
You say 'Ingen skada skedd'. It's a very common set phrase.
No, but it's specific. 'En skada' refers to one specific mark or injury. 'Göra skada' refers to the concept of harm.
Yes! 'Viruset gjorde stor skada på min dator' is perfect.
Usually 'på' for objects (skada på bilen) and 'för' for people/abstracts (skada för oss).
Use 'göra skada' for general harm and 'göra en skada' for one specific physical injury.
Related Phrases
Göra mer skada än nytta
specialized formTo do more harm than good
Orsaka skada
synonymTo cause damage
Ta skada
contrastTo be damaged
Skadegörelse
builds onVandalism/Property damage
Göra ont
similarTo hurt/cause pain
