Meaning
Prioritizing something in your schedule.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Egentid' (me-time) is very strong. Swedes will explicitly say they are 'taking time for themselves' to go for a walk or read, and this is respected as a valid reason to decline an invitation. In Swedish workplaces, 'fika' is not just a coffee break; it's a ritual. Managers 'tar sig tid' to fika with their staff to maintain a flat hierarchy and good communication. Similar to Sweden, but perhaps even more emphasis on 'talko' (communal work). People 'tar sig tid' to help neighbors with building or cleaning, emphasizing community over individual schedule. In international business contexts in Stockholm, using this phrase shows you are 'mindful'—a buzzword that aligns well with the Swedish value of 'ta sig tid'.
The 'Sig' Rule
Always check your subject. If it's 'Vi', it's 'oss'. If it's 'Jag', it's 'mig'. This is the #1 thing Swedes notice.
Don't forget 'till'
Without 'till', the phrase feels like it's hanging. 'Jag tar mig tid träning' is incorrect.
Meaning
Prioritizing something in your schedule.
The 'Sig' Rule
Always check your subject. If it's 'Vi', it's 'oss'. If it's 'Jag', it's 'mig'. This is the #1 thing Swedes notice.
Don't forget 'till'
Without 'till', the phrase feels like it's hanging. 'Jag tar mig tid träning' is incorrect.
The Power of Thanks
Saying 'Tack för att du tog dig tid' is one of the best ways to be polite in Sweden. It acknowledges the other person's busy life.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun (mig, dig, sig, oss, er).
Vi måste ta ___ tid till att hälsa på mormor.
Since the subject is 'Vi' (We), the reflexive pronoun must be 'oss'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'She takes time for her hobby'?
It requires the reflexive 'sig' and the preposition 'till'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
A: Kan du hjälpa mig imorgon? B: Ja, jag ska ___ ___ ___ ___ hjälpa dig.
After 'ska', we use the infinitive 'ta'. Since the speaker is 'jag', we use 'mig'.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: 'Tack för att du tog dig tid!'
This is the standard way to show appreciation for someone's time.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVi måste ta ___ tid till att hälsa på mormor.
Since the subject is 'Vi' (We), the reflexive pronoun must be 'oss'.
How do you say 'She takes time for her hobby'?
It requires the reflexive 'sig' and the preposition 'till'.
A: Kan du hjälpa mig imorgon? B: Ja, jag ska ___ ___ ___ ___ hjälpa dig.
After 'ska', we use the infinitive 'ta'. Since the speaker is 'jag', we use 'mig'.
Sentence: 'Tack för att du tog dig tid!'
This is the standard way to show appreciation for someone's time.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it sounds ungrammatical. You need the reflexive pronoun to show that you are the one directing the time.
Both are used, but 'till' is much more common and sounds more natural to native ears.
You can say 'Jag har inte tagit mig tid till det än' (I haven't taken the time for it yet). It sounds more responsible than just 'I don't have time'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The past tense is 'tog sig tid'. Example: 'Han tog sig tid till att ringa mig.'
Related Phrases
ge sig tid
similarTo give oneself time
unna sig
specialized formTo treat oneself
prioritera
synonymTo prioritize
avsätta tid
similarTo set aside time
