Meaning
Lacking awareness of surroundings.
Cultural Background
Swedes are very direct in emergencies. Using 'medvetslös' clearly and quickly is valued over polite circumlocution. In Swedish hospitals, 'medvetslös' is often graded using the Glasgow Coma Scale, but the word remains the primary descriptor for families. The state of being 'medvetslös' is a common trope in 'Nordic Noir' to show a character's vulnerability. While 'medvetslös' is the proper word, 'däckad' is the cultural marker for having partied too hard.
Don't say 'unconscious'
Swedes will understand the English word, but 'medvetslös' is vital for emergency operators to categorize the call correctly.
Use 'helt'
Adding 'helt' (completely) before 'medvetslös' makes you sound much more like a native speaker when describing a deep sleep or a serious accident.
Meaning
Lacking awareness of surroundings.
Don't say 'unconscious'
Swedes will understand the English word, but 'medvetslös' is vital for emergency operators to categorize the call correctly.
Use 'helt'
Adding 'helt' (completely) before 'medvetslös' makes you sound much more like a native speaker when describing a deep sleep or a serious accident.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word for a medical emergency.
Mannen föll och nu är han _______.
'Medvetslös' is the correct term for being physically unconscious.
Fill in the plural form of the adjective.
De två personerna i bilen var _______.
Plural subjects require the -a ending on the adjective.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a 112 call?
'Medvetslös' is the appropriate neutral/formal term for emergencies.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Är han vaken? B: Nej, han är _______.
The opposite of 'vaken' (awake) in this context is 'medvetslös'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Medvetslös vs. Omedveten
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMannen föll och nu är han _______.
'Medvetslös' is the correct term for being physically unconscious.
De två personerna i bilen var _______.
Plural subjects require the -a ending on the adjective.
Which phrase fits a 112 call?
'Medvetslös' is the appropriate neutral/formal term for emergencies.
A: Är han vaken? B: Nej, han är _______.
The opposite of 'vaken' (awake) in this context is 'medvetslös'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsIt is a serious word, but not 'scary'. It is a factual description of a medical state.
Only as a joke. If you say it seriously, people will think the baby is sick or injured.
It is 'medvetslösa'. For example: 'De är medvetslösa'.
Related Phrases
förlora medvetandet
similarto lose consciousness
svimma
similarto faint
ej kontaktbar
specialized formunresponsive
däckad
informalpassed out
