Meaning
Giving something temporarily.
Cultural Background
Swedes often use 'låna ut' for small things like a 'snus' or a cigarette, though technically these are consumed and not returned. It's a polite way of framing a gift. The 'Meröppet' (More Open) system in Swedish libraries allows citizens to enter and 'låna ut' books to themselves using machines, even when staff aren't there. In Swedish offices, 'låna ut' is used to describe 'secondment' where an employee works for another department temporarily. The 'Fritidsbanken' is a Swedish initiative that 'lånar ut' sports equipment for free to encourage physical activity and reduce waste.
The 'Direction' Rule
Always visualize the object. If it moves away from you, use 'ut'.
Money Matters
In Sweden, lending money to friends can be awkward. Use 'låna ut' but be clear about when it should be 'swishat' back.
Meaning
Giving something temporarily.
The 'Direction' Rule
Always visualize the object. If it moves away from you, use 'ut'.
Money Matters
In Sweden, lending money to friends can be awkward. Use 'låna ut' but be clear about when it should be 'swishat' back.
The Library
Swedish libraries are called 'bibliotek'. When you use their machines, you are doing 'utlåning'.
Particle Stress
If you don't stress 'UT', a Swede might think you are saying 'låna' (borrow).
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'låna ut'.
Jag ___ min cykel till min kompis igår.
The sentence refers to 'igår' (yesterday), so we need the past tense.
Which sentence is correct?
You want to ask your friend to lend you their car.
The friend is the one lending (låna ut) to you (till mig).
Match the Swedish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Låna ut specifically means to lend for free or as a favor.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kan du ___ en hundralapp? B: Visst, här har du!
A is asking B to perform the act of lending.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJag ___ min cykel till min kompis igår.
The sentence refers to 'igår' (yesterday), so we need the past tense.
You want to ask your friend to lend you their car.
The friend is the one lending (låna ut) to you (till mig).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Låna ut specifically means to lend for free or as a favor.
A: Kan du ___ en hundralapp? B: Visst, här har du!
A is asking B to perform the act of lending.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIn some dialects and very casual speech, yes. But for learners, it's best to use 'låna ut' to be clear and correct.
Usually 'till' (to). Example: 'Låna ut till mig'.
No, use 'hyra ut' if money is involved.
You say 'låna ut en hjälpande hand'.
It is 'utlåning'.
Yes, it's a common figurative use.
Both are possible, but 'låna ut den' is much more common today.
Not necessarily. Between friends it's free; for banks, it implies 'ränta' (interest).
Then you should use 'ge' (give) or 'skänka' (donate).
It is neutral. It works in both casual and formal settings.
Yes, 'låna ut en fil' is perfectly fine.
The opposite is 'låna' (to borrow) or 'få tillbaka' (to get back).
Related Phrases
Låna
similarTo borrow
Hyra ut
similarTo rent out
Lämna tillbaka
builds onTo return
Bevilja lån
specialized formTo grant a loan
Dela med sig
similarTo share
