Signification
Others' situations seem better than ours.
Contexte culturel
In Sweden, the proverb is often linked to 'avundsjuka' (envy), which is considered a 'national disease' by some. There is even a famous saying: 'Den svenska avundsjukan är värre än pesten' (Swedish envy is worse than the plague). The seasonal change makes 'green grass' a powerful symbol of hope and success. After a long winter, everyone wants the greenest lawn, making the metaphor very literal in the spring. In Swedish workplaces, which are often flat and egalitarian, this proverb is used to discourage 'job-hopping' for purely superficial reasons. Many Swedish authors use this theme to explore the 'discontent of the middle class'—people who have everything but still look for more.
Use it for Social Media
This is the perfect phrase to use when talking about Instagram or TikTok envy. It makes you sound very natural.
Don't be Mean
Be careful not to use this to dismiss someone's real problems. It can sound like you don't care about their feelings.
Signification
Others' situations seem better than ours.
Use it for Social Media
This is the perfect phrase to use when talking about Instagram or TikTok envy. It makes you sound very natural.
Don't be Mean
Be careful not to use this to dismiss someone's real problems. It can sound like you don't care about their feelings.
The Manure Joke
If you want to be funny, add: '...för att det är mer gödsel där' (because there's more manure there). It shows high-level wit.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Gräset är alltid _______ på andra sidan.
We use the comparative form 'grönare' because we are comparing two sides.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Situation: Maria has a good job but wants her friend's job because it looks 'cooler' on Instagram.
This situation describes social comparison and envy, which is exactly what the proverb is for.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Jag hatar min lägenhet. Min brors lägenhet är mycket bättre. B: Tänk på att ________________.
The standard proverb fits perfectly as a response to someone complaining about their own home compared to another's.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct version of the proverb.
It requires the definite 'Gräset' and the preposition 'på'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGräset är alltid _______ på andra sidan.
We use the comparative form 'grönare' because we are comparing two sides.
Situation: Maria has a good job but wants her friend's job because it looks 'cooler' on Instagram.
This situation describes social comparison and envy, which is exactly what the proverb is for.
A: Jag hatar min lägenhet. Min brors lägenhet är mycket bättre. B: Tänk på att ________________.
The standard proverb fits perfectly as a response to someone complaining about their own home compared to another's.
Select the correct version of the proverb.
It requires the definite 'Gräset' and the preposition 'på'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's neutral. You can use it with friends, family, and even colleagues.
Yes, both versions are common. 'Alltid' just adds emphasis.
No, it's almost never about grass. It's about jobs, houses, partners, and lives.
'Borta bra men hemma bäst' is a good opposite, focusing on the value of home.
Yes, it's one of the most common proverbs in the Swedish language.
Focus on the 'ö' sound—it's like the 'i' in 'bird'.
Only if you are explaining why you *don't* want to leave your current job for just any reason.
No, it's a comparative adjective meaning 'greener'.
Slightly, as it implies the person is being unrealistic or envious.
Yes! 'Jag vet att gräset är grönare på andra sidan, men...' is a common way to start a thought.
Expressions liées
Borta bra men hemma bäst
contrastAway is good, but home is best.
Skenet bedrar
similarAppearances are deceptive.
Kasta inte sten i glashus
similarDon't throw stones in glass houses.
Lika barn leka bäst
builds onSimilar children play best together.
