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B1 verb 12 min read

försämras

Examples försämras in 30 Seconds
Explanation försämras in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'försämras' yourself. Instead, you should focus on the simpler phrase 'blir sämre' (becomes worse). However, you might see 'försämras' in simple weather reports or news headlines. Think of it as a formal way to say 'getting bad'. For example, 'Vädret blir sämre' is what you would say to a friend. If you see 'Vädret försämras' on a screen, just know it means the same thing. At this stage, just recognize that the '-s' at the end of Swedish words often means something is happening to the subject. It is the opposite of 'blir bättre' (becomes better) or 'förbättras' (improves). Focus on the root word 'sämre' (worse) which you already know from 'bra, bättre, sämst'. The 'för-' prefix and the '-as' ending make it a formal verb. Just remember: försämras = getting worse.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to see more formal Swedish. You will encounter 'försämras' in short news texts or health brochures. You should understand that it is a verb that describes a change. In A2, you learn about 's-verbs'. 'Försämras' is one of these. It doesn't need an object. You can say 'Min hälsa försämras' (My health is getting worse). You might also see it in the past tense: 'försämrades'. 'Vädret försämrades igår' (The weather got worse yesterday). It is helpful to learn this word alongside 'förbättras' (to improve). They are a pair. When you read a text about the environment or the economy, look for this word to understand if things are going up or down. Since you are moving toward B1, try to use 'försämras' in your writing when you want to sound a bit more serious or academic than just using 'blir sämre'.
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At the B1 level, 'försämras' becomes a core part of your vocabulary. You are expected to use it in both writing and speaking, especially when discussing social issues, work, or health. At this level, you should be comfortable with its conjugation: försämras, försämrades, försämrats. You should also be able to use it with adverbs. For example, 'Situationen har försämrats avsevärt' (The situation has worsened considerably). You should understand the difference between 'försämra' (active: to make something worse) and 'försämras' (intransitive: to become worse). This is a common point of confusion at B1. You should also recognize it in different contexts: 'arbetsmiljön försämras' (the work environment is deteriorating) or 'ekonomin försämras' (the economy is declining). You are now moving beyond simple descriptions and using 'försämras' to analyze trends and states of being.
At the B2 level, you should use 'försämras' with nuance and precision. You should be able to integrate it into complex sentences and use it to describe abstract concepts. For instance, you might discuss how 'demokratin försämras' (democracy is deteriorating) or 'livskvaliteten försämras' (the quality of life is declining). At B2, you should also be aware of the noun form 'en försämring' (a worsening/deterioration). You should be able to switch between the verb and the noun: 'Läget försämras' vs. 'Vi ser en försämring av läget'. You should also be able to compare 'försämras' with more specific verbs like 'urarta' or 'förfalla'. Your use of 'försämras' should feel natural in formal reports, essays, and debates. You should also understand its use in the passive sense, even though it's technically a deponent-like verb in its common usage.
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At the C1 level, you have a masterly command of 'försämras'. You understand its stylistic value in formal prose and can use it to create professional, objective tones. You are aware of its collocations with high-level vocabulary, such as 'konjunkturläget försämras' or 'det geopolitiska säkerhetsläget försämras'. You can use the past participle 'försämrad' as an adjective with ease: 'en kraftigt försämrad prognos' (a significantly worsened forecast). At this level, you also recognize the subtle difference between 'försämras' and 'försämras ytterligare' (to deteriorate further). You can use the word in legal, medical, or technical contexts without hesitation. You also understand the historical development of -s verbs in Swedish and how 'försämras' fits into the broader grammatical structure of the language. Your writing uses 'försämras' to provide precise, clinical descriptions of decline.
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At the C2 level, 'försämras' is a tool you use with absolute precision and stylistic flair. You can use it in highly sophisticated contexts, such as philosophical treatises or complex economic analyses. You understand the rhythm of the sentence and how 'försämras' contributes to the overall tone. You are capable of using it in ironical or metaphorical ways if the context demands. You also have a deep understanding of its synonyms and can choose 'försämras' over 'urarta', 'degradera', or 'förfalla' based on the exact shade of meaning required. You are also proficient in using its derived forms and related idioms. At C2, you don't just know the word; you know its weight, its history, and its every possible application in the Swedish language, from the most formal government white paper to the most nuanced literary text.
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Examples

försämras in 30 Seconds

  • Försämras means to get worse or deteriorate over time.
  • It is an -s verb, used without a direct object.
  • Commonly used for health, weather, economy, and general quality.
  • The opposite of försämras is förbättras (to improve).
The Swedish verb försämras is a vital component of the Swedish language, particularly when discussing trends, health, economics, or environmental conditions. At its core, it translates to 'to get worse', 'to deteriorate', or 'to decline'. Unlike the active verb försämra (to make something worse), försämras is an -s verb that functions intransitively, meaning the subject itself is undergoing the decline without necessarily specifying who or what is causing it. This makes it incredibly common in formal reports, news broadcasts, and medical contexts where the focus is on the state of change rather than the agent of change.
Grammatical Category
It is a deponent-like verb or a passive-form verb that indicates a process of becoming. It follows the first conjugation (ar-verbs) but ends in -s.

Patientens tillstånd försämras stadigt trots behandlingen.

Translation: The patient's condition is steadily deteriorating despite the treatment.
Understanding the nuance of försämras requires recognizing that it describes a negative trajectory. It is used when quality, health, weather, or economic status moves away from a positive or stable state toward a worse one. For example, if you are talking about the climate, you might say 'Klimatet försämras' (The climate is getting worse). If you are discussing the economy, 'Konjunkturen försämras' (The economic situation is deteriorating).
The -s suffix
The -s at the end of Swedish verbs often indicates a passive voice or a reflexive action. In the case of 'försämras', it signifies that the deterioration is happening to the subject.

Sikten försämrades snabbt på grund av dimman.

Translation: Visibility worsened quickly because of the fog.
In a broader social context, this word is used to express concern. When Swedish newspapers report on 'försämrad skola' (worsened school quality) or 'försämrad välfärd' (worsened welfare), they are signaling a systemic decline that affects many people. It is a word heavy with implication, often used to justify the need for reform or intervention.

Relationen mellan länderna har försämrats under det senaste året.

Translation: The relationship between the countries has deteriorated over the past year.
Synonym comparison
Compared to 'urarta' (to degenerate/go south), 'försämras' is more neutral and objective. 'Urarta' implies a loss of control or a descent into chaos, whereas 'försämras' simply marks the downward trend of a measurable quality.

Arbetsmiljön riskerar att försämras om vi inte anställer fler.

Translation: The work environment risks deteriorating if we do not hire more people.

Kvaliteten på produkten får inte försämras.

Translation: The quality of the product must not be allowed to deteriorate.
To master 'försämras', one must practice its conjugation: försämras (present), försämrades (past), försämrats (supine). It is rarely used in the imperative or as a participle in the same way active verbs are. It describes the inevitable or observed path of decline.
Using försämras correctly involves identifying a subject that can possess a quality capable of declining. It is almost never used with a person as the direct object because it is an intransitive verb. You don't 'försämras' someone; you 'försämrar' something, or something 'försämras' on its own.
Subject Choice
Common subjects include: hälsa (health), väder (weather), ekonomi (economy), kvalitet (quality), läge (situation), and sikt (visibility).

Vädret försämras ofta mot kvällen i bergen.

Translation: The weather often gets worse toward evening in the mountains.
When constructing sentences, pay attention to the tense. In the present tense, 'försämras' suggests an ongoing process. 'Hälsan försämras' means the health is currently getting worse. In the past tense, 'försämrades', it refers to a specific decline that happened. 'Hälsan försämrades under natten' (Health worsened during the night).

Säkerhetsläget har försämrats i regionen.

Translation: The security situation has deteriorated in the region.
Notice the use of 'har' with the supine form 'försämrats'. This is the standard way to form the perfect tense. In Swedish, deponent and passive verbs ending in -s do not change their ending in the perfect tense; they always end in -s.
Negative Constructions
To say something is not getting worse, you simply add 'inte'. 'Läget har inte försämrats.' (The situation has not deteriorated.)

Om inget görs kommer servicen att försämras.

Translation: If nothing is done, the service will deteriorate.
Using 'kommer att' with the infinitive 'försämras' is the standard way to express future decline. Another common pattern is using 'riskera att' (risk that). 'Vi riskerar att se en försämrad levnadsstandard.' (We risk seeing a worsened standard of living). Note here that 'försämrad' acts as a past participle/adjective.

Hennes minne har försämrats med åren.

Translation: Her memory has deteriorated over the years.
Formal vs. Informal
In a text message to a friend: 'Vädret blir sämre, vi stannar inne.' In a news report: 'Väderförhållandena i fjällen har försämrats avsevärt.'

Trots alla försök att rädda företaget försämrades resultatet.

Translation: Despite all attempts to save the company, the results worsened.

Om villkoren försämras kommer personalen att sluta.

Translation: If the conditions deteriorate, the staff will quit.
By integrating 'försämras' into your vocabulary, you gain the ability to describe complex processes of decline with a single, precise word. It allows for a higher level of abstraction in your Swedish, moving beyond simple 'good' and 'bad' adjectives into the realm of dynamic changes.
You will encounter försämras in several specific domains in Sweden. The most prominent is the news. Whether it is 'SVT Nyheter' or 'Dagens Nyheter', reporters frequently use this verb to describe shifts in the economy, global politics, or social trends. If there is a stock market crash, they will say 'Börsläget försämras'. If there is a diplomatic crisis, 'Relationerna försämras'.
Medical Contexts
In Swedish hospitals (sjukhus) and clinics (vårdcentraler), doctors use 'försämras' to track a patient's progress. If a patient's 'allmäntillstånd' (general condition) gets worse, the medical record will note 'tillståndet försämras'.

Läkaren sa att min hörsel kan försämras med tiden.

Translation: The doctor said that my hearing might deteriorate over time.
Another common place is in weather forecasts (väderleksrapporter). When a storm is approaching, the meteorologist will warn that 'Vädret kommer att försämras under eftermiddagen.' This is a standard phrase heard on the radio (Sveriges Radio P1 or P4) or seen on weather apps like SMHI.

Arbetsmarknaden för unga har försämrats på grund av krisen.

Translation: The labor market for young people has deteriorated due to the crisis.
In political debates, politicians often accuse each other's policies of causing things to worsen. You might hear: 'Skolan har försämrats under er mandatperiod!' (The school system has worsened during your term!). It is a powerful rhetorical tool for critique.
Educational Environment
Teachers and administrators use the word when discussing student results or the quality of teaching materials. 'Elevernas läsförståelse försämras,' is a common headline in educational journals.

Vattenkvaliteten i sjön har försämrats de senaste åren.

Translation: The water quality in the lake has deteriorated in recent years.
You will also hear it in technical or mechanical contexts. For instance, if a car's performance is dropping or a computer's battery life is shortening: 'Batteritiden försämras efter ett års användning.'

Om vi inte agerar nu kommer förtroendet för polisen att försämras.

Translation: If we do not act now, trust in the police will deteriorate.

Stämningen på kontoret försämrades efter beskedet om uppsägningar.

Translation: The atmosphere at the office worsened after the news of layoffs.
Ultimately, 'försämras' is everywhere in Swedish life because it is the standard way to talk about the 'entropy' of systems, health, and society. It is a word of observation and warning.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning försämras is confusing it with its active counterpart, försämra. In English, 'to worsen' can be both transitive ('The rain worsened the flood') and intransitive ('The situation worsened'). In Swedish, these are strictly separated.
Transitive vs. Intransitive
Use 'försämra' when there is an object: 'Regnet försämrade (made worse) läget.' Use 'försämras' when the subject is the one getting worse: 'Läget försämrades (got worse).'

Fel: Läget försämrade. Rätt: Läget försämrades.

Explanation: You need the -s to indicate that the situation itself is declining.
Another common error is adding 'blir' (becomes) in front of 'försämras'. Since 'försämras' already contains the meaning 'to become worse', saying 'blir försämras' is redundant and grammatically incorrect. You can say 'blir sämre', but never 'blir försämras'.

Fel: Det blir försämras. Rätt: Det försämras.

Learners also struggle with the past participle form. While 'försämrad' (worsened) is an adjective, 'försämras' is the verb. Using 'är försämras' is a classic mistake. It should be 'har försämrats' (has deteriorated) or 'är försämrad' (is in a worsened state).
Spelling and Pronunciation
Don't forget the 'r' before the 's'. Some learners say 'försämas', which is incorrect. The 'rs' cluster in Swedish often produces a 'sh' sound (retroflex), but the 'r' must be accounted for in writing.

Fel: Han försämras maten. Rätt: Han försämrar maten.

Explanation: If a person is actively doing something to make something else worse, use the active form 'försämrar'.
Finally, watch out for the reflexive 'sig'. In some languages, 'to worsen' is reflexive. In Swedish, 'försämras' already handles the reflexive sense via the -s ending. Never say 'försämras sig'.

Vädret försämras (correct). Vädret försämras sig (incorrect).

Ekonomin har försämrats (correct). Ekonomin har blivit försämrats (incorrect).

Understanding these distinctions will prevent you from sounding like a beginner and help you navigate the nuances of Swedish verb forms. The -s ending is a powerful tool, but it requires careful application.
Swedish has several ways to express that something is getting worse, and choosing the right one depends on the context and the level of formality. Försämras is the most versatile and standard term. However, there are others you should know.
Bli sämre
This is the everyday, informal equivalent. 'Jag tror att vädret blir sämre.' It is perfect for casual conversation.

Hälsan blir sämre (Casual). Hälsan försämras (Formal).

Urarta
This means 'to degenerate' or 'to get out of hand'. It implies a more chaotic or moral decline. 'Festen urartade' (The party got out of hand).

Demonstrationen urartade i våldsamheter.

Translation: The demonstration degenerated into violence.
Förfalla
This specifically means 'to decay' or 'to fall into disrepair'. It's used for buildings, morals, or physical bodies. 'Huset har förfallit' (The house has decayed).

Byggnaden har förfallit i decennier.

Translation: The building has been decaying for decades.
Dala
This means 'to sink' or 'to drop', often used for popularity, prices, or temperatures. 'Populariteten dalar' (The popularity is sinking).

Temperaturen dalar snabbt nu.

Translation: The temperature is dropping quickly now.
Degenerera
A more academic or biological term for decline. 'Celler kan degenerera över tid.'

Samtalet urartade till ett gräl.

Translation: The conversation degenerated into an argument.
In summary, while 'bli sämre' is your go-to for daily life, 'försämras' is the essential term for any professional or serious context. 'Urarta' and 'förfalla' add specific imagery of chaos or decay, while 'dala' describes a steady downward motion. Mastering these will allow you to express the nuance of 'getting worse' with precision.
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Examples by Level

1

Vädret försämras nu.

The weather is getting worse now.

Present tense of an -s verb.

2

Hälsan försämras.

Health is getting worse.

Simple subject-verb structure.

3

Maten försämras i värmen.

The food gets worse in the heat.

Indicates a process.

4

Vägen försämras efter regnet.

The road gets worse after the rain.

Describing a state change.

5

Sikten försämras snabbt.

Visibility is worsening quickly.

Adverb 'snabbt' modifies the verb.

6

Kvaliteten försämras.

The quality is getting worse.

Abstract subject.

7

Hans hörsel försämras.

His hearing is getting worse.

Possessive 'Hans' with the subject.

8

Läget försämras.

The situation is getting worse.

Common idiomatic use.

1

Vädret försämrades under natten.

The weather got worse during the night.

Past tense 'försämrades'.

2

Ekonomin har försämrats i år.

The economy has worsened this year.

Perfect tense 'har försämrats'.

3

Sikten försämrades av all rök.

Visibility was worsened by all the smoke.

Past tense with a cause.

4

Skolan får inte försämras.

The school must not get worse.

Infinitive after 'får inte'.

5

Hälsan försämrades snabbt.

Health worsened quickly.

Past tense with adverb.

6

Vattenkvaliteten försämras ofta på sommaren.

Water quality often worsens in the summer.

Present tense indicating a habit.

7

Om det regnar försämras vägen.

If it rains, the road gets worse.

Conditional 'Om'.

8

Resultatet försämrades förra månaden.

The result worsened last month.

Past tense with time expression.

1

Arbetsmiljön försämras om vi inte gör något.

The work environment will deteriorate if we don't do something.

Future intent in the present tense.

2

Patientens tillstånd har försämrats drastiskt.

The patient's condition has deteriorated drastically.

Perfect tense with a strong adverb.

3

Relationen mellan länderna försämras stadigt.

The relationship between the countries is steadily deteriorating.

Metaphorical use for relationships.

4

Kvaliteten på servicen har försämrats på sistone.

The quality of service has worsened lately.

Perfect tense with 'på sistone'.

5

Säkerhetsläget i området har försämrats.

The security situation in the area has worsened.

Common news phrase.

6

Om villkoren försämras kommer vi att strejka.

If the conditions deteriorate, we will strike.

Conditional sentence.

7

Hans minne försämras med åldern.

His memory is deteriorating with age.

Describing a natural process.

8

Vädret väntas försämras under helgen.

The weather is expected to worsen during the weekend.

Infinitive after 'väntas'.

1

Det finns en risk att förtroendet för politiken försämras.

There is a risk that trust in politics will deteriorate.

Subordinate clause after 'att'.

2

Levnadsstandarden i regionen har försämrats avsevärt.

The standard of living in the region has deteriorated significantly.

Formal vocabulary 'levnadsstandard'.

3

Trots åtgärderna fortsatte läget att försämras.

Despite the measures, the situation continued to worsen.

Infinitive after 'fortsatte'.

4

Börsläget försämrades efter nyheten om krisen.

The stock market situation worsened after the news of the crisis.

Specific economic context.

5

Konkurrenskraften riskerar att försämras.

Competitiveness risks being deteriorated.

Abstract business concept.

6

Demokratin i världen sägs försämras.

Democracy in the world is said to be deteriorating.

Passive construction 'sägs'.

7

Om inte underhållet sköts försämras byggnaden.

If maintenance is not handled, the building deteriorates.

Inverted word order in the 'if' clause.

8

Hennes hälsa försämrades till följd av stressen.

Her health worsened as a result of the stress.

Using 'till följd av'.

1

Det geopolitiska läget har försämrats till en kritisk nivå.

The geopolitical situation has deteriorated to a critical level.

High-level academic vocabulary.

2

Det är oroväckande att rättssäkerheten försämras.

It is worrying that legal certainty is deteriorating.

Abstract legal concept.

3

Prognosen för nästa år har försämrats ytterligare.

The forecast for next year has worsened further.

Using 'ytterligare' for emphasis.

4

Klimatförändringarna gör att livsbetingelserna försämras.

Climate change causes living conditions to deteriorate.

Complex causal relationship.

5

Anställningstryggheten har försämrats genom de nya lagarna.

Job security has been worsened by the new laws.

Passive sense with active cause.

6

Artrikedomen i haven försämras i en alarmerande takt.

Biodiversity in the oceans is deteriorating at an alarming rate.

Scientific context.

7

Infrastrukturen försämras på grund av bristande investeringar.

Infrastructure is deteriorating due to lack of investment.

Socio-economic analysis.

8

Den kognitiva förmågan kan försämras vid sömnbrist.

Cognitive ability can deteriorate with lack of sleep.

Technical medical term.

1

Det är ett obestridligt faktum att den sociala sammanhållningen försämras.

It is an indisputable fact that social cohesion is deteriorating.

Sophisticated rhetorical structure.

2

När de diplomatiska kanalerna stängs försämras förutsättningarna för fred.

When diplomatic channels close, the conditions for peace deteriorate.

Complex conditional structure.

3

Allmänhetens förtroende för institutionerna riskerar att försämras irreparabelt.

Public trust in institutions risks deteriorating irreparably.

Using the adverb 'irreparabelt'.

4

Det är en paradox att välståndet ökar medan livskvaliteten försämras.

It is a paradox that wealth increases while quality of life deteriorates.

Philosophical observation.

5

Skulle läget försämras ytterligare måste vi vidta drakoniska åtgärder.

Should the situation deteriorate further, we must take Draconian measures.

Inverted conditional 'Skulle...'

6

Den språkliga precisionen i offentlig debatt tycks försämras.

Linguistic precision in public debate seems to be deteriorating.

Meta-linguistic commentary.

7

Ekosystemets motståndskraft försämras när balansen rubbas.

The ecosystem's resilience deteriorates when the balance is disturbed.

Advanced environmental science.

8

Kulturarvet försämras om det inte vårdas med vördnad.

Cultural heritage deteriorates if it is not cared for with reverence.

Elevated register.

Synonyms

bli sämre deteriorera urarta
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