Meaning
Over a long period of time.
Cultural Background
Swedes value long-term planning and sustainability. This phrase is a staple in political and social discourse. Similar to Sweden, Norway and Denmark use equivalent phrases to emphasize patience and long-term results. In Swedish business, 'i det långa loppet' is used to justify investments that don't show immediate profit. Teachers often use this phrase to motivate students to keep studying despite initial difficulties.
Use it to justify
Whenever you need to explain why a hard choice is good, use this phrase.
Don't use for distance
This is only for time, never for physical distance.
Meaning
Over a long period of time.
Use it to justify
Whenever you need to explain why a hard choice is good, use this phrase.
Don't use for distance
This is only for time, never for physical distance.
Pair with 'lönar sig'
It sounds very natural to say 'det lönar sig i det långa loppet'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Det är svårt nu, men det blir bättre ____.
The correct idiom is 'i det långa loppet'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose the correct sentence.
The phrase is used for abstract time, not physical running.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Varför sparar du så mycket pengar?' B: 'För att det är bra ____.'
The context implies long-term planning.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesDet är svårt nu, men det blir bättre ____.
The correct idiom is 'i det långa loppet'.
Choose the correct sentence.
The phrase is used for abstract time, not physical running.
A: 'Varför sparar du så mycket pengar?' B: 'För att det är bra ____.'
The context implies long-term planning.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly acceptable in professional emails.
It is neutral and fits most contexts.
It is a common mistake, but people will understand you. Use 'i' instead.
No, that would be confusing. Only use it for time.
No, it is a fixed expression.
Yes, they are very similar.
It is standard Swedish, used in all Swedish-speaking areas.
It sounds like 'lopp-et'.
Yes, it shows you are a strategic thinker.
They are equal, but 'på sikt' is slightly more formal.
Related Phrases
på lång sikt
synonymin the long term
i längden
synonymin the long run
på sikt
similarin the long term
i ett långsiktigt perspektiv
builds onfrom a long-term perspective
