Meaning
Considering or remembering.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'omtanke' is central to Swedish social life. It means showing care by 'thinking about' others' needs before they ask. Public signs often use 'Tänk på...' to nudge people toward better behavior rather than using harsh 'Forbidden' signs. In meetings, Swedes value consensus. 'Tänka på' is used to bring up different perspectives without being confrontational. Saying 'Jag tänker på dig' is a common, non-intrusive way to show support during grief or stress. Sweden is very eco-conscious. 'Tänka på miljön' is a phrase children learn from a very young age.
The 'About' Rule
Always use 'på' for 'about' with 'tänka'. Never use 'om' unless you mean 'rethinking'.
Opinion Trap
Don't use 'tänka på' to say 'I think that...'. Use 'Jag tycker att...' for opinions.
Meaning
Considering or remembering.
The 'About' Rule
Always use 'på' for 'about' with 'tänka'. Never use 'om' unless you mean 'rethinking'.
Opinion Trap
Don't use 'tänka på' to say 'I think that...'. Use 'Jag tycker att...' for opinions.
Reminders
Use 'Tänk på att...' as a polite way to remind Swedes of rules or tasks. It sounds less bossy than a direct command.
Empathy
Saying 'Jag tänker på dig' is the perfect thing to write in a card for someone who is sick or sad.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
Jag tänker ____ min semester.
The standard preposition for 'thinking about' is 'på'.
Which sentence means 'Remember to buy milk'?
Choose the correct Swedish translation:
'Tänk på att' is used for reminders.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vad ____ du på? B: Jag tänker på min hund.
The question asks what someone is thinking about.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a train station and see a gap between the train and the platform.
'Avståndet' means 'the distance/gap'.
Match the Swedish to the English.
Match the following:
All pairs are correctly matched in the prompt.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Tänka vs Tycka
Common Objects of 'Tänka på'
People
- • Familj
- • Vänner
- • Dig
Future
- • Semester
- • Helgen
- • Jobbet
Safety
- • Avståndet
- • Säkerheten
- • Hunden
Practice Bank
5 exercisesJag tänker ____ min semester.
The standard preposition for 'thinking about' is 'på'.
Choose the correct Swedish translation:
'Tänk på att' is used for reminders.
A: Vad ____ du på? B: Jag tänker på min hund.
The question asks what someone is thinking about.
Situation: You are at a train station and see a gap between the train and the platform.
'Avståndet' means 'the distance/gap'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All pairs are correctly matched in the prompt.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, that means 'I am rethinking you'. Use 'Jag tänker på dig' to mean 'I am thinking of you'.
'Fundera på' is more like 'pondering' or 'mulling over'. It implies a longer time spent thinking.
It is neutral and can be used in any context, from romantic to professional.
Use 'Jag tänker på att flytta'. Don't forget the 'att'!
It's a polite way to say 'Mind the gap'. It literally means 'Think on the distance'.
Yes, 'Tänk på att...' often translates to 'Remember to...' or 'Keep in mind that...'.
The past tense is 'tänkte på'. For example: 'Jag tänkte på dig igår'.
No, that is 'tycka om'. This is a very common mistake for beginners.
Say 'Vad tänker du på?'. The 'på' must stay at the end.
Yes, very often. 'Vi måste tänka på vinsten' (We must think about the profit).
Only if you mean you are literally focusing your thoughts on the cold. If you mean 'I think it's cold (opinion)', use 'Jag tycker det är kallt'.
It's a noun meaning 'thoughtfulness' or 'care', derived from 'tänka på'.
Related Phrases
Fundera på
similarTo ponder or mull over
Tänka efter
specialized formTo think twice or reflect
Tänka sig
specialized formTo imagine
Komma på
builds onTo figure out or remember suddenly
Ha i åtanke
synonymTo keep in mind
Tycka om
contrastTo like
