Meaning
Arriving without delay.
Cultural Background
Punctuality is a sign of respect for others' time. Being late is often seen as a lack of discipline or consideration. The 'Academic Quarter' (Akademisk kvart) allows students to arrive 15 minutes late to lectures in university towns. In business, 'vara i tid' applies to deadlines as much as meetings. Delivering a report late is a major taboo. For dinner parties, 'vara i tid' means arriving exactly at the time stated. Arriving early is considered impolite as the host may not be ready.
The 5-minute rule
In Sweden, 'i tid' often means 5 minutes before the actual start time.
Avoid 'på tid'
This is the most common mistake for English speakers. Remember: 'I' for 'In time'.
Meaning
Arriving without delay.
The 5-minute rule
In Sweden, 'i tid' often means 5 minutes before the actual start time.
Avoid 'på tid'
This is the most common mistake for English speakers. Remember: 'I' for 'In time'.
Use 'i god tid' for interviews
It shows you are prepared and respect the opportunity.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition and noun.
Jag lovar att vara ___ ___.
The fixed expression for being on time is 'i tid'.
Which sentence is correct for a job interview?
How do you say 'I was on time'?
'Jag var i tid' is the standard past tense for being punctual.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kommer du till fikan? B: Ja, jag ska försöka ___ ___ ___.
Both 'vara i tid' (be on time) and 'komma i tid' (arrive on time) are correct here.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are 20 minutes early for a flight.
'I god tid' means you have plenty of time to spare.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to be 'i tid'
Work
- • Meetings
- • Deadlines
- • Interviews
Social
- • Fika
- • Dinner
- • Parties
Travel
- • Trains
- • Buses
- • Flights
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJag lovar att vara ___ ___.
The fixed expression for being on time is 'i tid'.
How do you say 'I was on time'?
'Jag var i tid' is the standard past tense for being punctual.
A: Kommer du till fikan? B: Ja, jag ska försöka ___ ___ ___.
Both 'vara i tid' (be on time) and 'komma i tid' (arrive on time) are correct here.
You are 20 minutes early for a flight.
'I god tid' means you have plenty of time to spare.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is neutral and can be used in any context, from business to family.
Yes, 'komma i tid' is very common and specifically refers to the act of arriving.
In Sweden, 1 minute late is still 'inte i tid'. It's best to send a quick text.
No, it means 'on time'. Use 'i god tid' for 'early'.
You can say 'precis i tid' or 'i sista minuten'.
Related Phrases
i god tid
similarWith time to spare
i sista minuten
contrastAt the last minute
passa tiden
synonymTo be punctual
försenad
contrastDelayed/Late
