Meaning
To lose one's way or lose track of a story.
Cultural Background
Swedes are generally very helpful if you admit you've 'tappat bort dig'. It's a common way to start a conversation with a stranger. In seminars, saying 'nu tappade jag bort mig' is a humble way to admit the material is difficult, often prompting the teacher to simplify. Due to the vastness of Swedish forests, 'tappa bort sig' is a serious but common topic in outdoor safety briefings. During long fika sessions, conversations often wander. It's very common to 'tappa bort sig' in a long anecdote.
The 'Sig' Rule
Always check your subject. If it's 'vi', use 'oss'. This is the most common error for B1 students.
Not for Games
Don't say you 'tappade bort dig' in a football match unless you literally couldn't find the stadium.
Meaning
To lose one's way or lose track of a story.
The 'Sig' Rule
Always check your subject. If it's 'vi', use 'oss'. This is the most common error for B1 students.
Not for Games
Don't say you 'tappade bort dig' in a football match unless you literally couldn't find the stadium.
Polite Interruption
Use this phrase to politely stop someone who is talking too fast. It's very Swedish to be humble about your own confusion.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun.
Vi gick i cirklar och till slut tappade vi bort ____.
Since the subject is 'vi' (we), the reflexive pronoun must be 'oss' (us).
Which sentence is correct for losing your keys?
How do you say 'I lost my keys'?
When losing an object, you do not use the reflexive 'mig'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ...och därför är det viktigt. Förstår du? B: Förlåt, jag _______. Kan du ta det igen?
In a conversation, 'tappade bort mig' is the natural way to say you lost track.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a new city and don't know where the hotel is.
'Tappa bort mig' is used for being physically lost.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVi gick i cirklar och till slut tappade vi bort ____.
Since the subject is 'vi' (we), the reflexive pronoun must be 'oss' (us).
How do you say 'I lost my keys'?
When losing an object, you do not use the reflexive 'mig'.
A: ...och därför är det viktigt. Förstår du? B: Förlåt, jag _______. Kan du ta det igen?
In a conversation, 'tappade bort mig' is the natural way to say you lost track.
You are in a new city and don't know where the hotel is.
'Tappa bort mig' is used for being physically lost.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it's perfect for large malls, hospitals, or office buildings.
Both work, but 'gå vilse' is slightly more common for hiking.
Say 'Jag har tappat bort mig' (I have lost myself) or 'Jag är vilse'.
Yes, 'Jag tappade bort mig i filmen' is very natural.
It's neutral. You can use it in almost any situation.
'Tappa' is just to drop; 'tappa bort' is to lose something so you can't find it.
No, it's always pronounced 'sej'.
Yes, that's a romantic/poetic way to say you're lost in someone's eyes or personality.
Yes, for losing track of an agenda or a complex project.
You still say 'Jag tappade bort mig' or 'Jag körde fel'.
Related Phrases
gå vilse
synonymTo get lost (specifically by walking)
tappa tråden
similarTo lose the thread
förvilla sig
specialized formTo wander off and get confused
hitta rätt
contrastTo find the right way
tappa bort
builds onTo lose (an object)
