Meaning
Maintaining a clean environment.
Cultural Background
The 'Tvättstuga' (Shared Laundry Room) is the ultimate test of 'hålla rent'. Failure to clean the lint filter is a major social sin. 'Håll Sverige Rent' is a famous environmental foundation. Their logo is seen on trash cans across the country. The concept of 'Allemansrätten' allows you to roam freely, but it carries the strict obligation to 'hålla rent' (leave no trace). The 'Fikarum' (break room) often has a rotating schedule ('diskmaskinslista') to ensure everyone helps 'hålla rent'.
Use 'i'
Always remember to say 'hålla rent i [room]' rather than just 'hålla rent [room]'.
Don't say 'hålla ren'
Even if the room is 'en hall' (common gender), the phrase is almost always 'hålla rent' (neuter).
Meaning
Maintaining a clean environment.
Use 'i'
Always remember to say 'hålla rent i [room]' rather than just 'hålla rent [room]'.
Don't say 'hålla ren'
Even if the room is 'en hall' (common gender), the phrase is almost always 'hålla rent' (neuter).
The 'Lapp' Culture
If you see a sign saying 'Håll rent!', take it seriously. It's a strong social cue in Sweden.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'hålla'.
Vi _______ rent i köket igår.
'Igår' (yesterday) requires the past tense 'höll'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you tell someone to clean up after themselves?
'Håll rent efter dig' is the standard idiomatic way to say 'clean up after yourself'.
Match the Swedish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Each 'hålla' phrase has a specific meaning.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Varför är det så stökigt här? B: Förlåt, jag ska bli bättre på att _______.
'Hålla rent' fits the context of improving a habit of cleanliness.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Hålla rent vs. Städa
Where to Hålla Rent
Home
- • Köket
- • Badrummet
- • Vardagsrummet
Public
- • Parken
- • Skogen
- • Gatan
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVi _______ rent i köket igår.
'Igår' (yesterday) requires the past tense 'höll'.
How do you tell someone to clean up after themselves?
'Håll rent efter dig' is the standard idiomatic way to say 'clean up after yourself'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each 'hålla' phrase has a specific meaning.
A: Varför är det så stökigt här? B: Förlåt, jag ska bli bättre på att _______.
'Hålla rent' fits the context of improving a habit of cleanliness.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or at work.
Yes! 'Hålla rent i bilen' is very common.
'Städa' is the act of cleaning (vacuuming, dusting). 'Hålla rent' is the habit of keeping it that way.
The most common way is 'Håll rent efter dig!'.
Use 'rent' for hygiene/dirt and 'snyggt' for organization/looks.
No, for teeth you say 'borsta tänderna' or 'hålla tänderna rena'.
It's a national campaign meaning 'Keep Sweden Tidy'.
It functions as an adverbial adjective describing the state of the space.
It's a bit poetic, but yes, it means to keep your thoughts clear.
'Att skräpa ner' (to litter) or 'att söl' (to make a mess).
Related Phrases
Hålla snyggt
similarTo keep things looking good/orderly.
Hålla efter
specialized formTo clean up continuously.
Göra rent
builds onTo clean something specific.
Hålla rent framför egen dörr
specialized formTo mind one's own business/fix one's own faults.
