Signification
Waiting in a queue for service.
Contexte culturel
The 'One-Meter Rule'. Swedes value personal space immensely. In a queue, standing too close to the person in front is seen as aggressive or weird. Queuing is a point of national pride in the UK, similar to Sweden. However, the UK queue is often more verbal and social than the silent Swedish queue. In countries like Italy or Greece, queues can be more 'organic' and less strictly linear. Swedes often find this stressful. Americans say 'stand in line' or 'stand on line' (New York). The concept is the same, but the word 'queue' is rarely used.
The Silent Complaint
If someone cuts in line, Swedes usually won't scream. They will sigh loudly or look at their watch. This is called 'knyta näven i fickan' (clenching your fist in your pocket).
Digital Queues
Always check if there is a 'nummerlapp' machine before you start standing. If you stand without a ticket, you aren't actually in the queue!
Signification
Waiting in a queue for service.
The Silent Complaint
If someone cuts in line, Swedes usually won't scream. They will sigh loudly or look at their watch. This is called 'knyta näven i fickan' (clenching your fist in your pocket).
Digital Queues
Always check if there is a 'nummerlapp' machine before you start standing. If you stand without a ticket, you aren't actually in the queue!
Don't be a 'Smitare'
A 'smitare' is someone who sneaks ahead. It is one of the worst social labels you can get in Sweden.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing verb form.
Igår ______ jag i kö i två timmar.
'Igår' (yesterday) requires the past tense 'stod'.
Which preposition is correct?
Jag väntar ____ kön.
The idiomatic expression is always 'i kö' or 'i kön'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ursäkta, är det här slutet på kön? B: Nej, du måste ______.
If someone is asking for the end of the line, you direct them to 'place themselves' (ställa sig) further back.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are calling the bank and hear music.
Phone queues are specifically called 'telefonkö'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Types of Swedish Queues
Physical
- • Mataffär
- • Busshållplats
- • Nattklubb
Digital
- • Bostadskö
- • Biljettkö
- • Telefonkö
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIgår ______ jag i kö i två timmar.
'Igår' (yesterday) requires the past tense 'stod'.
Jag väntar ____ kön.
The idiomatic expression is always 'i kö' or 'i kön'.
A: Ursäkta, är det här slutet på kön? B: Nej, du måste ______.
If someone is asking for the end of the line, you direct them to 'place themselves' (ställa sig) further back.
You are calling the bank and hear music.
Phone queues are specifically called 'telefonkö'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but 'bilkö' or 'trafikkö' is more common. You can say 'Vi stod i kö på motorvägen'.
Yes, 'köa' is the verb form. It's slightly more informal and active.
There is still a 'virtual' queue. People remember who was there first. Observe and wait your turn.
Because you are usually sitting down while waiting on the phone. It's a logical variation.
It is 'en kö' (common gender).
You say 'slutet av kön'.
Yes, 'stå i kö till en skola' is the standard expression.
Yes, it is considered a fundamental part of social order and fairness.
It's the general term for any system (like tickets or lines) used to manage waiting.
Ask: 'Är du sist i kön?'
Expressions liées
nummerlapp
similarA numbered ticket for queuing
tränga sig
contrastTo cut in line
bostadskö
specialized formHousing queue
förtur
contrastPriority/Priority right
