man ska inte sälja skinnet förrän björnen är skjuten
don't count your chickens before they hatch
Signification
Do not make plans based on something that hasn't happened yet.
Contexte culturel
Swedes generally value 'lagom' (just enough/moderation) and are often wary of 'stora ord' (big words/boasting). This proverb is a linguistic manifestation of that cultural trait. The proverb is equally common in Finland-Swedish. It reflects the shared Nordic history of hunting and the importance of the bear in forest culture. As the likely origin of the phrase, Germans use it with the same frequency and meaning, showing the deep linguistic ties between Germanic languages. In the age of 'vaporware' and 'hype cycles,' this proverb has found a new life as a warning against over-promising in tech and finance.
The 'Förrän' Rule
Always check for the 'inte' before using 'förrän'. If you say 'Jag ska göra det innan...', it's fine. But if you say 'Jag ska INTE göra det...', you MUST use 'förrän'.
Social Softener
Use this phrase to disagree with someone's over-optimism without sounding rude. It shifts the 'blame' to the proverb rather than your own opinion.
Signification
Do not make plans based on something that hasn't happened yet.
The 'Förrän' Rule
Always check for the 'inte' before using 'förrän'. If you say 'Jag ska göra det innan...', it's fine. But if you say 'Jag ska INTE göra det...', you MUST use 'förrän'.
Social Softener
Use this phrase to disagree with someone's over-optimism without sounding rude. It shifts the 'blame' to the proverb rather than your own opinion.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Man ska inte sälja skinnet _______ björnen är skjuten.
Because the sentence is negative ('inte'), we must use 'förrän' instead of 'innan'.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Someone is buying a luxury watch because they *think* they will win the lottery tomorrow.
This situation involves premature spending based on an uncertain future win.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Jag har redan bokat segeryachten! B: Men matchen är inte slut än! ________________________.
The context of a sports match and premature celebration fits this proverb perfectly.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesMan ska inte sälja skinnet _______ björnen är skjuten.
Because the sentence is negative ('inte'), we must use 'förrän' instead of 'innan'.
Someone is buying a luxury watch because they *think* they will win the lottery tomorrow.
This situation involves premature spending based on an uncertain future win.
A: Jag har redan bokat segeryachten! B: Men matchen är inte slut än! ________________________.
The context of a sports match and premature celebration fits this proverb perfectly.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIn casual speech, some Swedes do, but it is grammatically incorrect in the presence of 'inte'. For B2 exams and professional writing, always use 'förrän'.
Not at all. It is used daily in news, sports, and business. It's a 'living' proverb.
Bears were the most dangerous and valuable animals in the Swedish woods, making them the perfect symbol for a high-stakes goal.
Yes, people will understand exactly what you mean. It's a common way to shorten it.
Expressions liées
Ropa inte hej förrän du är över bäcken
similarDon't celebrate until the obstacle is cleared.
Ta ut segern i förskott
synonymTo celebrate a victory before it is won.
Det är ingen ko på isen
contrastThere is no immediate danger/no rush.
Sälja smör och tappa pengarna
similarTo look very disappointed after a failure.
