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A1 adjective 11 min read

andra

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips andra in 30 Seconds

Explanation andra in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn andra primarily as an ordinal number. It is part of the basic sequence: första (1st), andra (2nd), tredje (3rd). You use it to describe your daily routine or simple facts. For example, 'Jag bor på andra våningen' (I live on the second floor). At this stage, you should also recognize it in the phrase 'de andra' meaning 'the others', such as when talking about your family or classmates. It is a stable word that doesn't change its ending for 'en' or 'ett' words when used as an ordinal, which makes it easier for beginners. You might also see it in dates, like 'den andra maj' (the second of May). Focus on using it to describe positions in a line or floors in a building. It's important to differentiate it from 'två' (two). 'Två' is the amount, while andra is the position. If you have two apples, you say 'två äpplen'. If you are eating the second one, it's 'det andra äpplet'. Mastering this distinction is a key milestone in A1 Swedish. You will also hear it in the classroom when the teacher says 'Sidan andra' (though usually 'Sida två') or refers to the 'andra övningen' (second exercise). It is one of the first adjectives you will encounter that teaches you about the definite form of Swedish adjectives.

As you move to A2, andra becomes more about alternatives and groups. You start using it as the plural of 'annan'. For instance, 'Jag har andra intressen' (I have other interests). You also learn to use it in the definite singular to mean 'the other one'. If you are looking at two cars, you might say 'Den här bilen är röd, den andra är blå'. This is crucial for comparing things. You will also encounter andra in more complex but common phrases like 'andra sidan gatan' (the other side of the street). At this level, you should be comfortable using andra with possessive pronouns: 'min andra bok', 'vårt andra hus'. You begin to notice that andra is used in many compound words related to daily life, such as 'andrahandsbutik' (second-hand shop). The A2 learner should also start to distinguish between 'andra' and 'nästa'. While 'andra' is the second in a list, 'nästa' is the one that follows now. If you are at the first station, the 'andra' station and the 'nästa' station are the same, but if you are at the fifth station, the 'andra' station was a long time ago, while the 'nästa' is the sixth. This logical distinction is a hallmark of A2 proficiency.

At the B1 level, you use andra to express more abstract thoughts and participate in discussions. You will frequently use the phrase 'å andra sidan' (on the other hand) to present contrasting viewpoints in an essay or a conversation. This is a vital tool for the B1 'independent user' who needs to show nuance. You also start to understand the social implications of 'andra'. Phrases like 'att bry sig om andra' (to care about others) or 'i andras ögon' (in the eyes of others) become part of your vocabulary. You might also encounter the word in more specialized contexts, like 'andra gradens ekvation' (second-degree equation) if you are studying, or 'andra kammaren' in historical political contexts. B1 learners should also be aware of the masculine form 'andre'. While 'andra' is the standard, you will see 'andre' used for men, such as 'Karl den tolfte var den andre...' (though this is more for 'the second' in royal names, where 'den andre' is the standard). You also begin to use andra in more idiomatic ways, such as 'det ena med det andra' (this and that/various things). This level requires you to move beyond simple descriptions and use andra to structure arguments and describe complex social relationships.

By B2, andra is used with total grammatical precision, and you begin to appreciate its role in formal and literary Swedish. You will encounter it in legal or administrative texts, often in compounds like 'andrahandsuthyrning' (subletting). You are expected to understand the subtle difference between 'andra' and synonyms like 'övriga' or 'respektive'. For example, in a formal report, 'de andra deltagarna' might sound too informal, and 'övriga deltagare' would be preferred. You also use andra in complex metaphorical senses. 'Att komma i andra hand' means to be of secondary importance, a common phrase in debates about priorities. You might also use 'andra' to discuss sociological concepts like 'the other' (den andre/det andra). At this level, your use of andra in the 'å andra sidan' construction should be seamless, often paired with 'å ena sidan' to create a balanced argument. You also recognize andra in historical terms like 'andra ståndet' (the second estate). The B2 learner uses andra not just as a word, but as a structural device to organize high-level discourse, ensuring that transitions between ideas are smooth and logical.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of andra and its stylistic variations. You can identify when a writer uses 'den andre' instead of 'den andra' to evoke a more classical or formal tone, especially when referring to a male subject. You understand the philosophical depth of terms like 'det andra könet' and can discuss them fluently. Your vocabulary includes rare idioms like 'ge andra bullar' (to change one's tune or take a tougher stance). You use andra in professional contexts to describe secondary effects, 'andra ordningens effekter'. In creative writing, you might use andra to create rhythm or emphasis, such as 'inte bara en gång, utan en andra och en tredje'. You are also sensitive to the use of andra in different registers; for example, knowing that 'andra' is preferred over 'ytterligare' in casual speech, but 'ytterligare' adds necessary weight to a formal presentation. C1 proficiency means you can navigate the 'otherness' that andra implies in all its psychological, social, and grammatical complexity, using it to express fine shades of meaning that A-level learners cannot yet perceive.

At the C2 level, your mastery of andra is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You use the word with an intuitive sense of its historical weight and its modern versatility. You can engage with Swedish literature from the 18th and 19th centuries, where the use of 'andre' and 'andra' followed different, more gender-rigid rules, and you can mimic these styles if necessary. You understand the nuances of andra in legal jargon, such as 'andra mans rätt' (the rights of others/third parties). You can use andra in highly abstract philosophical discussions about 'alterity' or 'the other'. In your own speech, andra is used with perfect prosody, and you can use its various compound forms (e.g., 'andrafiol', 'andrahandsinformation') to add color and precision to your language. You are also aware of the etymological links between andra and its cognates in other Germanic languages, giving you a deep linguistic perspective on why the word behaves the way it does. For a C2 user, andra is a simple yet infinitely powerful tool that facilitates the highest levels of expression in the Swedish language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

andra in 30 Seconds

Andra primarily means 'second' in sequences and lists.
It also means 'other' or 'others' in plural and definite contexts.
The word never changes its ending for 'en' or 'ett' words.
Commonly used in phrases like 'å andra sidan' (on the other hand).

The Swedish word andra is a foundational element of the Swedish language, serving two primary functions that are essential for any beginner to master. At its core, it is the ordinal number for 'second' (following 'första' or first). However, its utility extends far beyond simple counting. In Swedish grammar, andra also serves as the definite and plural form of the word 'annan', which means 'other' or 'another'. This dual nature makes it one of the most frequently used adjectives in daily conversation. When you are standing in a queue and referring to the person behind the first one, you use andra. When you are discussing a group of people excluding those already mentioned, you refer to 'de andra' (the others).

Ordinal Usage: Used to denote the position of something in a sequence, specifically the number two spot. It does not change based on the gender of the noun it describes.

Plural/Definite Usage: Used to refer to 'the other' (singular definite) or 'others' (plural). For example, 'den andra boken' (the other book) or 'andra bilar' (other cars).

Detta är min andra kopp kaffe för idag.

In Swedish culture, the concept of andra is deeply embedded in social structures. Think of 'Andra chansen' (The Second Chance), a famous round in the Melodifestivalen song competition where artists get a second opportunity to reach the final. This reflects a broader linguistic pattern where andra represents progression, alternatives, and inclusivity of those not initially selected. Understanding andra requires recognizing that unlike many Swedish adjectives, it is relatively static in its form. While 'en annan' (another - common gender) and 'ett annat' (another - neuter gender) change based on the noun, andra is the form used for all plural nouns and all definite singular nouns. This simplifies things for the learner once the initial rule is memorized.

Var är de andra eleverna?

Social Context: In Swedish philosophy and sociology, 'den andre' (the other) is used to discuss identity and marginalization, much like in English academic discourse.

Vi måste tänka på andra än oss själva.

Hon bor på andra våningen.

Kan du ge mig den andra boken?

To summarize, whether you are counting floors in a building, picking a different shirt, or talking about your friends who haven't arrived yet, andra is your go-to word. It bridges the gap between mathematics and social description, making it a versatile tool in your Swedish vocabulary kit. Its pronunciation is straightforward, with a short 'a' sound and a rolled or tapped 'r', followed by a clear 'a' at the end, typical of many Swedish plural or definite adjective forms.

Using andra correctly involves understanding the specific syntactic structures of Swedish. In its role as an ordinal number, it usually precedes the noun and often follows a definite article or a possessive pronoun. For example, 'min andra bil' (my second car) or 'den andra gången' (the second time). Unlike 'första' (first), which is also an ordinal, andra carries the additional weight of meaning 'other'. This can sometimes lead to ambiguity which is resolved by context.

With Definite Articles: When you want to say 'the other one', you use 'den andra' (for en-words) or 'det andra' (for ett-words). For example: 'Jag gillar den här tröjan, men den andra är snyggare.'

Han tog det andra äpplet.

When using andra to mean 'others' in a general sense, it often appears without an article. 'Andra människor' translates to 'other people'. Here, it acts as the plural of 'annan'. This is a key transition point for A1 learners moving into A2: realizing that 'annan' becomes 'andra' in the plural.

Vi har andra planer för helgen.

Another common construction is 'å andra sidan', which means 'on the other hand'. This is an essential phrase for structuring arguments or showing contrast in both spoken and written Swedish.

Possessive Structures: When following a possessive pronoun, 'andra' does not change. 'Min andra chans' (My second chance), 'Vårt andra barn' (Our second child).

Detta är deras andra hus i Sverige.

In colloquial Swedish, you might hear 'andra' used as a noun, specifically in the plural 'de andra' (the others). 'De andra kommer snart' (The others are coming soon). This is a very natural way to refer to a group of people previously mentioned.

Hon kom på andra plats i tävlingen.

Finns det andra alternativ än detta?

Compound Words: Swedish often combines 'andra' with other words. 'Andrahandsval' (second-hand choice/alternative) or 'andrahandsmarknad' (second-hand market) are very common in economic and social contexts.

De letar efter en andra lägenhet att hyra.

Understanding these patterns allows you to build complex thoughts from simple blocks. By mastering andra, you gain the ability to compare, sequence, and include varied perspectives in your Swedish speech.

You will encounter andra in almost every facet of Swedish life, from the mundane to the highly public. One of the most common places is in the Swedish housing market. Because of the unique rental laws in Sweden, many people live in 'andrahandskontrakt' (second-hand contracts or sublets). You will hear people saying 'Jag hyr i andra hand' constantly in cities like Stockholm or Gothenburg. This usage of andra signifies that the lease is not directly with the building owner but through another tenant.

Media and Entertainment: In the world of music and TV, 'Andra chansen' is a household name. It is the wildcard round of Melodifestivalen. If a Swede says 'Vi får hoppas på andra chansen', they are often using a cultural metaphor for getting a second shot at success.

Sverige kom på andra plats i Eurovision.

In sports commentary, andra is ubiquitous. 'Andra halvlek' (the second half) is what you wait for in a football match. If a skier is in 'andra åket' (the second run), the tension is at its peak. Swedes are very focused on rankings, so 'andra plats' (second place) is a frequently discussed result in the news.

Välkommen till andra programmet i serien.

In social settings, the phrase 'vi och de andra' (us and the others) is a common way to delineate groups. Whether it's at a party or a business meeting, andra helps Swedes organize their social world. In academic or professional settings, you will hear 'å andra sidan' (on the other hand) as speakers weigh different options.

Everyday Shopping: When shopping, you might ask for 'den andra färgen' (the other color). If a store is out of stock, they might suggest 'andra butiker' (other stores) in their chain.

Finns den här i andra storlekar?

Vi ses på andra sidan gatan.

Det var den andra gången han ringde.

Historical Context: 'Andra världskriget' (The Second World War) is the standard way to refer to the global conflict from 1939-1945. You will see this in every history book and museum.

Min andra bil är en elbil.

From the 'andra våningen' (second floor) of a shopping mall to the 'andra sidan' (other side) of a philosophical debate, this word is a constant companion in Swedish life. Its frequency in the top 100 most used Swedish words is a testament to its fundamental role in navigating the world.

For English speakers learning Swedish, the most frequent mistake involving andra is confusing it with the word 'annan' or 'annat'. While they all relate to 'other', the grammatical rules for their use are strict. You cannot say 'en andra' when you mean 'another' in an indefinite sense (e.g., 'another cup of coffee' where any cup will do). In that case, you must use 'en annan'. Andra is reserved for the definite 'the other' or the plural 'other/others'.

The 'Annan' Trap: Mistake: 'Jag vill ha andra äpple' (I want other apple). Correct: 'Jag vill ha ett annat äpple' (indefinite) or 'Jag vill ha det andra äpplet' (definite 'the other').

Fel: Jag ser andra bok. Rätt: Jag ser den andra boken.

Another common error is pronunciation. Some learners confuse andra with the verb 'ändra' (to change). While they sound similar, 'ändra' has a fronted 'ä' sound (like 'e' in 'bed'), whereas 'andra' starts with a back 'a' sound (like 'o' in 'hot' but shorter). Mixing these up can lead to confusing sentences like 'I want to second my hair' instead of 'I want to change my hair'.

Kom ihåg: andra (second) vs. ändra (change).

In the context of dates, learners sometimes try to use 'två' instead of andra. In Swedish, you say 'den andre januari' (note: 'andre' is a masculine variant of 'andra', often used for dates or male persons, though 'andra' is increasingly common for both). Using the cardinal number 'två' in a date sounds very foreign.

Plural Agreement: Learners often forget that 'andra' is the plural form of 'annan'. They might try to say 'annana' or something similar. Remember: singular common = annan, singular neuter = annat, plural/definite = andra.

Många andra länder har samma problem.

Vi pratade om det ena och det andra.

Han är den andra i kön.

The 'Andre' Variant: While 'andre' is technically the masculine form, 'andra' is now accepted for all genders in modern Swedish. However, choosing 'andra' is always safe, whereas using 'andre' for a feminine noun is a mistake.

Den andra kvinnan (Correct). Den andre kvinnan (Incorrect/Old-fashioned).

By paying attention to these nuances—especially the distinction between 'another' (annan/annat) and 'the other/others' (andra)—you will sound much more like a native speaker and avoid the grammatical pitfalls that trap many beginners.

In Swedish, as in English, there are several ways to express the idea of 'second' or 'other', depending on the context and the desired level of formality. Understanding these alternatives will help you enrich your vocabulary and express yourself more precisely.

Näst / Nästa: 'Nästa' means 'next'. While 'andra' refers to the second in a fixed sequence starting from one, 'nästa' refers to whatever comes after the current point. Example: 'Nästa tåg' (the next train) vs. 'Det andra tåget' (the second train in the station).

Vi tar nästa buss istället.

Ytterligare: This means 'additional' or 'further'. It is more formal than 'andra'. Instead of saying 'andra frågor' (other questions), a formal speaker might say 'ytterligare frågor'.

Finns det ytterligare information?

Alternativ: When 'andra' is used to mean 'other' in the sense of a choice, 'alternativ' can be a stronger substitute. 'Det andra valet' vs. 'Ett alternativt val'.

Vi har inga andra alternativ.

Alla övriga gäster har gått hem.

Han är den näst bäste i klassen.

Problemet är av sekundär betydelse.

Vi ses på andra sidan ån.

Comparing andra to its synonyms reveals its versatility. While 'övriga' is precise and 'ytterligare' is formal, andra remains the most flexible and widely used term for anything that isn't the first or the primary subject of discussion. It is the workhorse of comparison and sequencing in the Swedish language.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In many Indo-European languages, the word for 'second' is related to the word for 'other' (like Latin 'secundus' vs 'alter'), but Swedish 'andra' maintains the older Germanic root for both.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈanːdra/

US /ˈɑndrə/

Primary stress is on the first syllable: AN-dra.

Rhymes With

vandra klandra blandra flundra undra pantra mantra kantra

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'ändra' (to change) with an 'e' sound.
Making the 'r' too hard or English-like.
Failing to lengthen the 'n' sound.
Dropping the final 'a'.
Stressing the second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it appears frequently.

Writing 2/5

Requires understanding when to use it versus 'annan' or 'annat'.

Speaking 1/5

Simple pronunciation, though the rolled 'r' takes some practice.

Listening 2/5

Can be confused with 'ändra' if not listening carefully.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

två första en ett den

Learn Next

tredje fjärde annan annat annars

Advanced

ytterligare övriga sekundär alternativ respektive

Grammar to Know

Adjective Definite Form

Den stora boken -> Den andra boken (Andra is already in the 'definite' form).

Ordinal Numbers

Första, andra, tredje... (Used to show position).

Suppletion in Adjectives

Annan/Annat becomes Andra in plural/definite.

Masculine Ending -e

Den andre mannen (Optional masculine form for 'andra').

Genitive of Adjectives

Den andras åsikt (The other's opinion).

Examples by Level

Det här är min andra dag i Stockholm.

This is my second day in Stockholm.

Andra is used as an ordinal number here.

Jag bor på andra våningen.

I live on the second floor.

Ordinal number following a prepositional phrase.

Den andra boken är röd.

The other book is red.

Definite singular usage meaning 'the other'.

Var är de andra barnen?

Where are the other children?

Plural definite usage.

Vi ses den andra maj.

We will meet on the second of May.

Ordinal used in a date.

Hon har en andra chans.

She has a second chance.

Ordinal with an indefinite noun.

Det är den andra dörren till vänster.

It is the second door on the left.

Ordinal used for directions.

Jag gillar de andra skorna bättre.

I like the other shoes better.

Plural definite usage for comparison.

Finns det andra färger?

Are there other colors?

Plural indefinite usage.

Min andra bil är trasig.

My other car is broken.

Possessive + andra.

Vi måste hjälpa andra människor.

We must help other people.

General plural usage.

Det här är mitt andra försök.

This is my second attempt.

Possessive (neuter) + andra.

De bor på andra sidan gatan.

They live on the other side of the street.

Common spatial phrase.

Jag har inga andra vänner här.

I have no other friends here.

Plural after a negative.

Kan du ta den andra vägen?

Can you take the other way?

Definite singular for an alternative.

Det var hans andra mål i matchen.

It was his second goal in the match.

Ordinal with possessive.

Å andra sidan är det ganska dyrt.

On the other hand, it is quite expensive.

Idiomatic expression for contrast.

Vi pratade om det ena och det andra.

We talked about this and that.

Idiom for various topics.

Hon kom på andra plats i tävlingen.

She came in second place in the competition.

Standard ordinal for ranking.

Många andra länder har liknande lagar.

Many other countries have similar laws.

Plural comparison.

Det är viktigt att lyssna på andra.

It is important to listen to others.

Using 'andra' as a noun phrase.

Detta är vår andra sommar i stugan.

This is our second summer in the cottage.

Possessive + ordinal.

Jag köpte den här tröjan i andra hand.

I bought this sweater second-hand.

Prepositional phrase 'i andra hand'.

Han tänker alltid på andra först.

He always thinks of others first.

Social context usage.

Andra världskriget förändrade allt.

The Second World War changed everything.

Historical proper noun.

Det är en fråga av andra ordningen.

It is a question of the second order (secondary).

Abstract academic usage.

Vi måste se saken från den andras perspektiv.

We must see the matter from the other person's perspective.

Genitive form of 'andra'.

Andrahandsuthyrning kräver tillstånd.

Subletting requires permission.

Compound word usage.

Han spelar andrafiol i den här frågan.

He plays second fiddle in this matter.

Metaphorical idiom.

De andra deltagarna var mer erfarna.

The other participants were more experienced.

Definite plural comparison.

Å ena sidan är han glad, å andra sidan orolig.

On one hand he is happy, on the other hand worried.

Balanced contrast structure.

Det finns inga andra utvägar.

There are no other ways out.

Plural indefinite after negation.

Simone de Beauvoir skrev 'Det andra könet'.

Simone de Beauvoir wrote 'The Second Sex'.

Literary/Philosophical reference.

Detta är ett andrahandsval för oss.

This is a second-best choice for us.

Compound word for preference.

Vi får se till att det blir andra bullar nu.

We'll have to make sure things change for the better/tougher now.

Advanced idiom.

Han är den andre i tronföljden.

He is second in the line of succession.

Masculine variant 'andre' used for status.

Det är en andrahandsinformation som inte är bekräftad.

It is second-hand information that is not confirmed.

Compound word for reliability.

De andra har redan tagit ställning.

The others have already taken a stand.

Pronoun usage 'de andra'.

Problemet har andra orsaker än de rent ekonomiska.

The problem has other causes than purely economic ones.

Plural indefinite in analysis.

Att ständigt jämföra sig med andra tär på själen.

To constantly compare oneself with others wears on the soul.

Abstract social commentary.

Oscar II var den andre sonen till Oscar I.

Oscar II was the second son of Oscar I.

Historical use of the masculine 'andre'.

Begreppet 'den andre' är centralt i hans filosofi.

The concept of 'the other' is central to his philosophy.

Philosophical terminology.

Han förde saken på tal för en andra gång.

He brought the matter up for a second time.

Formal phrasing.

Det är av andra rangens betydelse för projektet.

It is of second-rate importance for the project.

Formal idiom for priority.

Andra stycket i paragrafen är otydligt.

The second paragraph in the section is unclear.

Technical/Legal reference.

De andra lät sig inte bevekas av hans böner.

The others were not moved by his pleas.

Literary style.

Vinsten var i andra hand en bonus.

The profit was, in the second instance, a bonus.

Analytical phrasing.

Man bör inte döma andra ohört.

One should not judge others unheard.

Proverbial/Formal tone.

Common Collocations

andra gången

andra sidan

andra plats

andra människor

andra världskriget

andra våningen

i andra hand

andra alternativ

andra bullar

andra halvan

Common Phrases

Å andra sidan

— Used to introduce a contrasting point of view.

Å andra sidan är det ganska billigt.

De andra

— Refers to the rest of a group.

Var är de andra?

Den andra

— The other one (singular).

Jag tar den andra.

För det andra

— Secondly (used in lists of arguments).

För det andra är han för ung.

Varandra

— Each other (compound).

Vi älskar varandra.

Andra chansen

— A second opportunity, often referring to Melodifestivalen.

Han gick vidare till Andra chansen.

I andras ögon

— From the perspective of other people.

Hur ser det ut i andras ögon?

Det ena och det andra

— Various things or miscellaneous items.

Vi pratade om det ena och det andra.

Bland andra

— Among others.

Han var där, bland andra.

En andra gång

— A second time.

Gör inte det en andra gång.

Often Confused With

andra vs ändra

A verb meaning 'to change'. Sounds similar but has a different vowel sound and meaning.

andra vs annan / annat

The indefinite singular forms. 'Andra' is for plural and definite contexts.

andra vs nästa

Means 'next'. 'Andra' is specifically the second in a sequence from the start.

Idioms & Expressions

"Nu blir det andra bullar"

— Things are going to change significantly, usually implying a stricter or more serious approach.

Om ni inte lyssnar, blir det andra bullar!

informal

"Spela andrafiol"

— To take a subordinate or less important role than someone else.

Han är trött på att spela andrafiol.

neutral

"I andra hand"

— Not directly; through a middleman or second-hand.

Jag fick höra det i andra hand.

neutral

"På andra sidan pölen"

— On the other side of the Atlantic (referring to North America).

Hur är läget på andra sidan pölen?

informal

"Gå i andras ledband"

— To be controlled or led by others without thinking for oneself.

Han vägrar gå i andras ledband.

literary

"Andra tider nu"

— Times have changed; things are not like they used to be.

Det är andra tider nu än på 90-talet.

neutral

"Se med andra ögon"

— To look at something from a new or different perspective.

Nu ser jag på honom med andra ögon.

neutral

"Sälja i andra hand"

— To sell something used.

Bilen såldes i andra hand.

neutral

"Vara av en annan/andra åsikt"

— To have a different opinion.

Jag är av en helt andra åsikt än du.

formal

"Det ena utesluter inte det andra"

— One thing doesn't prevent the other from happening; you can have both.

Du kan vara smart och sportig, det ena utesluter inte det andra.

neutral

Easily Confused

andra vs annan

Both mean 'other'.

Annan is for common gender singular indefinite nouns. Andra is for definite singular and all plural nouns.

En annan bok (another book) vs Den andra boken (the other book).

andra vs annat

Both mean 'other'.

Annat is for neuter gender singular indefinite nouns. Andra is for plural/definite.

Ett annat hus (another house) vs De andra husen (the other houses).

andra vs två

Both relate to the number 2.

Två is the cardinal number (amount). Andra is the ordinal number (position).

Två kakor (two cookies) vs Den andra kakan (the second cookie).

andra vs nästa

Both refer to something following.

Nästa is 'next in line from now'. Andra is 'second in the absolute sequence'.

Nästa stopp (next stop) vs Det andra stoppet (the second stop on the route).

andra vs övriga

Both can mean 'the others'.

Övriga is more formal and implies 'the remaining ones' of a specific set.

Övriga frågor (remaining/other questions on an agenda).

Sentence Patterns

Det är min andra [noun].

Det är min andra kaffe.

Den andra [noun] är [adjective].

Den andra bilen är blå.

Har du andra [plural noun]?

Har du andra frågor?

De andra [plural noun] kommer [time].

De andra gästerna kommer klockan sju.

Å andra sidan är [clause].

Å andra sidan är det för kallt.

Jag hyr i andra hand.

Jag hyr min lägenhet i andra hand.

Det är av andra ordningens [noun].

Det är av andra ordningens betydelse.

Att se saken ur den andras [noun].

Att se saken ur den andras perspektiv.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high. It is consistently ranked in the top 100 most common Swedish words.

Common Mistakes

Jag vill ha andra kaffe. → Jag vill ha en till kaffe / en annan kaffe.
You cannot use 'andra' for 'another' in the indefinite singular. Use 'en annan' or 'en till'.
Det är två maj. → Det är den andra maj.
Dates always use ordinal numbers in Swedish, not cardinal numbers.
De annan barnen. → De andra barnen.
The word 'annan' must change to 'andra' in the plural.
Jag ska andra min tröja. → Jag ska ändra min tröja.
Confusing the adjective 'andra' (second) with the verb 'ändra' (to change).
Den andra mannen (when referring to a female). → Den andra kvinnan.
While 'andra' is gender-neutral, ensure the noun itself is correct. Also, don't use the masculine 'andre' for females.

Tips

The Plural Rule

Always remember that 'andra' is the plural of 'annan'. If you are talking about more than one 'other' thing, 'andra' is always the correct choice regardless of gender.

The Short A

Make sure the first 'a' in 'andra' is short and sharp. If you draw it out too much, it might sound like a different word. The stress is always on the first syllable.

Å andra sidan

Memorize the phrase 'å andra sidan' (on the other hand). It is one of the most useful transition phrases for writing essays or having balanced conversations in Swedish.

Second Hand Housing

If you move to Sweden, you will hear 'andrahand' constantly. Knowing this word helps you navigate the complex Swedish rental market where sublets are very common.

Dates and Ordinals

When reading the date '2/5', always say 'den andra maj'. Swedes never use cardinal numbers like 'två' for the day of the month.

The Masculine Andre

While you can use 'andra' for everyone, using 'andre' for men or boys can make your Swedish sound more traditional or sophisticated. Use it sparingly until you are comfortable.

Andra vs Nästa

Think of 'andra' as a position in a fixed line and 'nästa' as the one coming up next. This helps you avoid confusion when giving directions or talking about schedules.

Andra Bullar

Use 'Nu blir det andra bullar' when you want to signal that you are getting serious or that a situation is about to change drastically. It's a fun, native-sounding idiom.

Listen for the Definite

When you hear 'den' or 'det' before 'andra', you know the speaker is referring to a specific 'other' item already mentioned, not just any other item.

Compound Words

Swedish loves compounds. If 'andra' is describing a noun in a technical sense (like 'second-hand'), try joining them or using the 'andrahand-' prefix.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Andrew' who is always the 'Second' child. Andrew = Andra.

Visual Association

Imagine a silver medal with the word 'ANDRA' written on it. Silver is always second.

Word Web

första andra tredje annan annat de andra andra sidan andra våningen

Challenge

Try to count to ten using ordinals (första, andra, tredje...) and then use 'andra' in a sentence about your favorite alternative hobby.

Word Origin

Derived from Old Norse 'annarr', which originates from Proto-Germanic 'antheraz'. It is cognate with English 'other' and German 'ander'.

Original meaning: The word originally meant 'one of two' or 'the second'.

Indo-European, Germanic, North Germanic.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'de andra' (the others) in a social context, as it can sometimes imply an 'us vs them' mentality.

English uses 'second' for order and 'other' for difference. Swedish uses 'andra' for both, which can be confusing but also simplifies the vocabulary.

Andra Avenyn (Swedish TV drama) Andra Generationen (Swedish Balkan-pop band) Andra världskriget (Historical event)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Ordering items

Den andra i kön
Det andra paketet
Andra dörren till höger
Min andra beställning

Time and Dates

Andra maj
För andra gången
Andra veckan i månaden
Andra halvan av året

Comparing options

Det andra alternativet
Å andra sidan
Andra färger
Den andra vägen

Social Groups

De andra barnen
Tänka på andra
Andra människor
Hjälpa andra

Housing

Andrahandskontrakt
Hyra i andra hand
Andra våningen
Andra huset

Conversation Starters

"Har du några andra tips på bra restauranger i stan?"

"Vad tycker de andra om det här förslaget?"

"Är det här din första eller andra gång i Sverige?"

"Finns det andra sätt att lösa det här problemet på?"

"Har du sett den andra filmen i serien än?"

Journal Prompts

Skriv om din andra dag på ditt nuvarande jobb eller i skolan.

Reflektera över ett tillfälle då du fick en andra chans.

Beskriv fördelarna och nackdelarna med att hyra en lägenhet i andra hand.

Hur viktigt är det för dig att vad andra människor tycker om dig?

Beskriv en situation där du var tvungen att se saken från 'andra sidan'.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'andra' is the form used for both 'en' and 'ett' words when they are definite or plural. For example, 'den andra bilen' (en) and 'det andra huset' (ett). This makes it simpler than many other Swedish adjectives.

'Andre' is a masculine form of 'andra'. It is often used for male persons (e.g., 'den andre mannen') or in royal titles (e.g., 'Karl II' pronounced 'Karl den andre'). In modern Swedish, 'andra' is acceptable for all genders, but 'andre' still appears in formal or traditional contexts.

If you mean 'another' as in 'one more' or 'a different one' (indefinite), you use 'en annan' (for en-words) or 'ett annat' (for ett-words). You only use 'andra' if you mean 'the other' (definite) or 'others' (plural).

Yes, always. In Swedish, you say 'den andra januari' for January 2nd. Using the cardinal number 'två' for the day of the month is incorrect in Swedish.

No, 'andra' is an adjective or ordinal number. You might be thinking of 'ändra' (to change) or the archaic 'andras' (to breathe), which is now 'andas'.

It literally means 'in second hand'. It is most commonly used for subletting an apartment ('hyra i andra hand') or buying used goods, but it can also mean getting information indirectly.

You use 'För det andra' to mean 'Secondly'. The sequence is usually 'För det första' (First), 'För det andra' (Secondly), 'För det tredje' (Thirdly).

In the context of the Melodifestivalen song contest, it refers to the 'Second Chance' round where songs that didn't make the final directly get another opportunity. It has become a standard cultural term for any second opportunity.

Yes, 'andra' or 'andra människor' is the standard way to say 'others' or 'other people'. For example, 'Du måste tänka på andra' means 'You must think of others'.

Yes, in plural or definite contexts. 'Andra planer' means 'different plans' or 'other plans'. In singular indefinite, you would use 'en annan' or 'annorlunda'.