Meaning
Ensuring something remains accessible.
Cultural Background
The 'Offentlighetsprincipen' (The Principle of Public Access) is a cornerstone of Swedish law, meaning the government must 'hålla öppet' its documents to the public. Swedes value work-life balance. If a shop 'håller öppet' late, it's often a big selling point because many places close early. In Sweden, being 'flexibel' is seen as a positive trait. Saying you want to 'hålla det öppet' is not seen as flaky, but as being considerate of other potential plans. During 'Midsommar', almost nothing 'håller öppet'. It is culturally expected that everyone is off celebrating.
The 'Det' Trick
If you aren't sure what you are keeping open, just say 'hålla det öppet'. It covers almost all abstract situations.
Don't say 'hålla öppen' for shops
Even though 'butik' is an en-word, 'hålla öppet' is the fixed adverbial form for business hours.
Meaning
Ensuring something remains accessible.
The 'Det' Trick
If you aren't sure what you are keeping open, just say 'hålla det öppet'. It covers almost all abstract situations.
Don't say 'hålla öppen' for shops
Even though 'butik' is an en-word, 'hålla öppet' is the fixed adverbial form for business hours.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'hålla'.
Affären ______ öppet till klockan 20 igår.
The word 'igår' (yesterday) tells us we need the past tense, which is 'höll'.
Which sentence is correct for a business sign?
How do you say 'We are open'?
'Hålla öppet' is the standard collocation for business hours.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to wait before deciding on a party invitation.
'Hålla det öppet' is used for keeping plans flexible.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hur länge ______ ni öppet? B: Vi ______ öppet till midnatt.
Both should be in the present tense for a general question about hours.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Hålla öppet'
Business
- • Shops
- • Cafés
- • Museums
Plans
- • Weekends
- • Parties
- • Meetings
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAffären ______ öppet till klockan 20 igår.
The word 'igår' (yesterday) tells us we need the past tense, which is 'höll'.
How do you say 'We are open'?
'Hålla öppet' is the standard collocation for business hours.
You want to wait before deciding on a party invitation.
'Hålla det öppet' is used for keeping plans flexible.
A: Hur länge ______ ni öppet? B: Vi ______ öppet till midnatt.
Both should be in the present tense for a general question about hours.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, that sounds like the person is a shop. Use 'öppensinnad' for an open-minded person.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The opposite is 'hålla stängt' (keep closed).
In this collocation, 'öppet' functions as an adverbial complement describing the state of the activity, which defaults to the neuter form.
Related Phrases
hålla med
similarTo agree with someone
hålla om
similarTo hug or hold someone
öppna upp
builds onTo open up (emotionally or a new market)
hålla stängt
contrastTo keep closed
