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A2 noun 13 min read

program

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips program in 30 Seconds

Explanation program in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'program' is one of the easiest words to learn because it is almost identical to English. You will mostly use it to talk about television. You should learn that it is an 'ett' word: 'ett program'. At this stage, focus on simple sentences like 'Jag tittar på ett program' (I am watching a program). You don't need to worry about complex grammar, but do try to remember that when you watch something on TV, you use the preposition 'på'. You might also see this word on your computer or phone, though 'app' is more common there. Think of 'program' as a basic building block for talking about your daily entertainment. It is also helpful to know that the word doesn't change when you have more than one: 'ett program, två program'. This is a simple rule that will help you avoid early mistakes. You will also see this word in 'TV-program', which is a very common compound word. In A1, the goal is simply to recognize the word and use it in basic 'subject-verb-object' sentences. You might also hear it in a classroom when a teacher talks about the 'program' for the day, meaning the simple list of activities you will do. It is a very friendly word for beginners because it feels familiar and is used in very concrete, everyday situations.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'program' in more varied contexts beyond just television. You will encounter it in educational settings, such as 'språkprogram' (language program) or 'introduktionsprogram'. You should now be comfortable with the definite form 'programmet'. For example, 'Programmet börjar nu' (The program is starting now). You will also start to see how 'program' fits into compound words, which are a huge part of Swedish. Words like 'barnprogram' (children's program) or 'nyhetsprogram' (news program) are common. At A2, you should also be aware of the plural definite form 'programmen', even if you don't use it perfectly every time. A key phrase to learn at this level is 'Vad står på programmet?', which means 'What is on the agenda?' or 'What are we doing?'. This shows you are moving beyond literal translations and starting to use common Swedish idioms. You will also use the word when talking about computers more specifically, like 'Jag måste stänga programmet' (I have to close the program). Understanding that 'program' is a neuter noun (ett-word) becomes more important here because you will be using more adjectives. You should practice saying 'ett bra program' or 'det här programmet'. This level is about expanding the word's utility and getting the basic grammar right.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'program' in more abstract and professional contexts. You will encounter it in discussions about politics, such as 'partiprogram' (party platform), or in more technical discussions about 'programvara' (software). You should be fluent in all four forms of the noun and use them correctly without much thought. At this stage, you will also start using the word in compound verbs or related nouns like 'programmera' (to program) and 'programmerare' (programmer). You might discuss your 'utbildningsprogram' (degree program) in detail, explaining which 'kurser' (courses) are included in the 'program'. You will also use the word to describe schedules for larger events, like a 'konferensprogram'. Your ability to use prepositions correctly with 'program' should be solid. For example, 'Informationen står i programmet' (The information is in the program) versus 'Jag såg det på programmet' (I saw it on the program/TV). You will also start to notice the word in more formal writing, such as news articles or official documents. At B1, you should also be able to distinguish 'program' from its synonyms like 'schema' or 'plan' and choose the correct one based on the context. This level is about precision and expanding into technical and formal domains.

At the B2 level, your use of 'program' should be nuanced and sophisticated. You will use it to discuss complex systems, such as 'samhällsprogram' (social programs) or 'miljöprogram' (environmental programs). You are likely to encounter the word in academic texts where it refers to a specific methodology or a theoretical framework. You should be able to discuss the 'programmatiska' (programmatic) aspects of a project or a political movement. In a professional setting, you might be involved in 'programledning' (program management) or 'programutveckling'. You should be comfortable using the word in debate and discussion, for example, when critiquing a political 'valprogram'. You will also understand the subtle differences between 'program' and 'applikation' in a technical context, and when to use 'mjukvara' instead. Your command of compound words involving 'program' should be extensive, and you should be able to create new ones if necessary (e.g., 'utvecklingsprogram', 'rehabiliteringsprogram'). At this level, you also understand the cultural nuances, such as the significance of certain 'public service-program' in Swedish history. You can switch between formal and informal registers effortlessly, knowing when 'program' sounds too stiff and when it is the only appropriate word to use.

At the C1 level, 'program' becomes a tool for high-level analysis and professional expertise. You will use it in legal, medical, or highly technical contexts. For instance, in medicine, a 'behandlingsprogram' (treatment program) is a specific, rigorous set of steps for patient care. In law, you might discuss 'åtgärdsprogram' (action programs) for social reform. You are expected to understand the etymological roots of the word and how it has evolved in the Swedish language. You will use the word in complex rhetorical structures, perhaps discussing the 'estetiska programmet' (aesthetic program) of a literary movement. Your grammar should be flawless, including the most complex adjective agreements and plural forms in high-register speech. You will also be able to interpret the word when it is used metaphorically in literature or high-end journalism. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are analyzing the 'program' behind a company's strategy or a government's policy. You can participate in deep discussions about 'programvaruarkitektur' (software architecture) or 'utbildningspolitik' (educational policy). The word is no longer just a label for a TV show; it is a conceptual framework that you can manipulate to express complex ideas with precision and clarity.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'program' and its place in the Swedish language. You can use it with the same nuance as a highly educated native speaker. You might use the word in philosophical contexts, discussing the 'biologiska programmet' (biological program/determinism) of human behavior. You are familiar with archaic or highly specialized uses of the word in various fields. You can write sophisticated reports or essays where 'program' is used to define the scope and vision of an entire organization or movement. You understand the subtle irony or humor when the word is used in specific cultural references. Your ability to use the word in all its forms, including rare compounds and derivatives, is perfect. You can lead high-level meetings where the 'arbetsprogram' (work program) for the next decade is decided. In creative writing, you can use the word to evoke specific atmospheres or to symbolize structure and order. At this level, 'program' is just one of many thousands of words you use with total ease, but you recognize its fundamental importance as a structural pillar of the Swedish language. You are also able to translate the word into English or other languages while capturing every subtle shade of meaning it holds in Swedish, from the simplest TV show to the most complex social engineering project.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

program in 30 Seconds

A versatile 'ett' noun meaning program, software, show, or curriculum.
The plural indefinite form is the same as the singular: 'program'.
Commonly used in compound words like 'TV-program' and 'utbildningsprogram'.
Essential for discussing technology, media, and education in Swedish.

The Swedish word program is a versatile neuter noun (ett-word) that mirrors the English word 'program' or 'programme' in almost every sense. It is a fundamental part of the Swedish vocabulary, appearing in contexts ranging from technology and media to education and politics. At its core, it refers to a planned sequence of events, a set of instructions for a computer, or a specific broadcast on television or radio. Because it is a cognate, English speakers often find it intuitive to use, but the grammatical behavior of the word—specifically its declension—requires careful attention to master. In the digital age, program is most frequently encountered when discussing software or applications, though the word app has taken over in mobile contexts. In social settings, you will hear it when people discuss their favorite TV shows or the schedule for a conference or wedding.

Broadcasting: In the world of media, a 'program' refers to a single episode or a recurring series. Swedes might ask, 'Såg du programmet igår?' (Did you see the program yesterday?). It covers everything from news broadcasts to reality TV.

SVT har många intressanta program om vetenskap och natur.

Beyond the screen, program is vital in academia. When a student chooses a field of study at a university, they enroll in a utbildningsprogram (educational program). Unlike a single course (kurs), a program is a structured path leading to a degree. For example, 'läkarprogrammet' is the medical program. In a business or political context, the word signifies a manifesto or a strategic plan. A political party's partiprogram outlines their goals and ideologies. This usage implies a structured, long-term commitment to specific principles. Furthermore, in the realm of computer science, program refers to the code and logic that run on hardware. While 'mjukvara' (software) is the general term for the collection of programs, an individual executable file is typically called a program.

Event Planning: If you attend a concert, theater performance, or a wedding in Sweden, you will likely receive a physical or digital 'program' listing the order of events and the participants involved.

The cultural weight of the word in Sweden is also tied to 'Public Service' broadcasting (SVT and SR). For decades, specific programs like 'Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul' (Donald Duck on Christmas Eve) or 'Allsång på Skansen' have become national institutions. When Swedes talk about these, the word program carries a sense of shared cultural experience. In a more technical sense, the word is also used in 'programvara', which is the standard term for software in a professional or technical environment. Whether you are coding in Python, watching a documentary, or following a curriculum, you are engaging with a program.

Vi måste installera det senaste programmet för att kunna öppna filen.

Political Context: A 'valprogram' is a party's election manifesto. It is a formal document that voters analyze to understand what a party intends to do if they win power.

Using program correctly in Swedish requires an understanding of its four main forms: program (singular indefinite), programmet (singular definite), program (plural indefinite), and programmen (plural definite). Because it is a neuter noun ending in a consonant, the plural indefinite form does not take a suffix. This is a common point of confusion for learners who might be tempted to add an '-er' or '-ar' ending. For example, 'I have three programs' is 'Jag har tre program,' not 'tre programer'.

Det här programmet är väldigt användarvänligt.

When describing a program with an adjective, the adjective must agree with the neuter gender. This means adding a '-t' to most adjectives. 'A good program' becomes 'ett bra program' (note that 'bra' is indeclinable, but consider 'ett nytt program' for 'a new program'). In the definite form, the adjective takes the '-a' ending: 'det nya programmet' (the new program). This pattern is consistent across all uses, whether you are talking about a computer application or a TV show. In compound words, which are very common in Swedish, program often acts as the second element, defining the type of program. Examples include nyhetsprogram (news program), barnprogram (children's program), and dataprogram (computer program).

Sentence Structure: 'Jag tittar på ett program' (I am watching a program). Here, the preposition 'på' is essential when 'watching' media. Without the preposition, the meaning could shift or sound incomplete.

In academic contexts, you might say, 'Jag går ett program på universitetet' (I am taking a program at the university). The verb 'gå' (to go/walk) is the standard way to express enrollment or attendance in a program or course. Alternatively, 'läsa' (to read/study) is used: 'Hon läser ekonomiprogrammet' (She is studying the economics program). When discussing software, the verb 'köra' (to run) is common: 'Kan du köra det här programmet?' (Can you run this program?). This mirrors the English usage of 'running' a script or application. Furthermore, 'installera' (to install) and 'avinstallera' (to uninstall) are the primary actions performed on computer programs.

Vilket program använder du för att redigera bilder?

Plural Usage: 'Alla dessa program är gratis' (All these programs are free). Note that 'program' remains unchanged in the plural indefinite, while the demonstrative 'dessa' and the adjective 'gratis' (which is also indeclinable) provide the plural context.

Finally, the word appears in several idiomatic or semi-formal expressions. 'Stå på programmet' means to be scheduled or planned. For example, 'Vad står på programmet idag?' (What is on the agenda/program today?). This is a very natural way to ask about plans for a day or a meeting. In a technical sense, 'programkod' (program code) refers to the source code of an application. Mastery of this word involves not just knowing its translation, but understanding how it fits into the Swedish system of compound nouns and neuter gender agreements.

You will encounter the word program in almost every corner of Swedish life. In the domestic sphere, the most common place is in front of the television. Even with the rise of streaming services like Netflix and HBO, Swedes still refer to individual shows as program. If you are watching SVT Play (the national broadcaster's streaming site), the interface will be full of categories like 'Dokumentärprogram', 'Barnprogram', and 'Underhållningsprogram'. During the 'Melodifestivalen' season (the Swedish heats for Eurovision), the word is ubiquitous as the nation discusses the 'program' and its 'programledare' (hosts).

Det här programmet sänds varje tisdag klockan åtta.

In professional and academic environments, program is a staple. If you work in IT, you will be constantly discussing 'programvaruuppdateringar' (software updates) or 'programutveckling' (program development). In an office setting, you might hear colleagues discussing the 'introduktionsprogram' for a new employee. In schools and universities, the word is used to distinguish between a general line of study and a specific course. A student might say, 'Jag har precis blivit antagen till ingenjörsprogrammet' (I have just been accepted into the engineering program). This usage is formal and precise, indicating a multi-year curriculum.

Cultural Events: At the 'Bokmässan' (the Gothenburg Book Fair) or 'Kulturfestivalen' in Stockholm, you will see printed 'program' or 'programblad' everywhere. These guide visitors through the various talks, workshops, and performances.

The word is also prominent in political discourse. During election years, news anchors and political analysts will dissect the 'partiprogram' of the Social Democrats or the Moderates. They might say, 'Deras program fokuserar på skolan och vården' (Their program focuses on schools and healthcare). Here, the word is synonymous with a platform or a set of policy proposals. In a more casual, everyday sense, you might hear it at the gym or in a sports context. A 'träningsprogram' (training program) is a set schedule of exercises designed to achieve a specific fitness goal. Personal trainers often provide these to their clients.

Har du följt ditt träningsprogram den här veckan?

Radio and Podcasts: Radio Sweden (Sveriges Radio) produces iconic 'radioprogram' like 'Sommar i P1'. Even though these are now often consumed as podcasts, they are still fundamentally referred to as 'program'.

Finally, you will hear it in the context of international relations or large-scale initiatives, such as the 'världslivsmedelsprogrammet' (World Food Programme). In these instances, the word represents a massive, organized effort to solve a global problem. Whether it's a small script running on a laptop or a massive humanitarian effort, the word program provides the structural framework for the activity. Its frequency in the Swedish language is a testament to the culture's value on organization, planning, and structured content.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with program is treating it as a common gender (en-word) noun. In English, we don't have grammatical gender, so it's easy to default to 'en program' because 'en' feels like the default Swedish article for many beginners. However, program is strictly a neuter noun. Saying 'en program' or 'den program' is a clear marker of a learner. You must always use 'ett program' and 'det programmet'. This mistake ripples through the sentence, affecting adjectives and demonstratives: 'denna program' is wrong; it must be 'detta program'.

Fel: Jag gillar den här programmet.
Rätt: Jag gillar det här programmet.

Another significant hurdle is the plural form. Many learners assume that because the word is long and ends in a consonant, it should follow the pattern of words like 'station' (stationer) or 'bil' (bilar). This leads to the incorrect 'programer' or 'programar'. Because program is a neuter noun ending in a consonant, it belongs to the fifth declension, which has a 'zero ending' in the plural indefinite. 'One program' is 'ett program'; 'ten programs' is 'tio program'. Forgetting this is very common, especially since the English plural 'programs' ends in an 's'.

Spelling Errors: In English, 'programme' is a common spelling in British English. In Swedish, there is only one spelling: 'program'. Learners sometimes try to add an 'e' at the end (programe) or double the 'm' (programm), neither of which is correct in modern Swedish.

The definite plural form programmen also catches people off guard. The doubling of the 'm' before the '-en' suffix is a spelling rule in Swedish to keep the preceding vowel short. Some learners write 'programen' with a single 'm', which is incorrect. This doubling of consonants is a general rule in Swedish spelling (like 'hem' -> 'hemmet'), but it is often forgotten when dealing with longer words like program. Always remember: 'program' (singular), 'programmet' (singular definite), 'program' (plural), 'programmen' (plural definite).

Fel: Vi tittade på programen.
Rätt: Vi tittade på programmen.

Preposition Pitfalls: Learners often say 'i programmet' when they mean they are watching something. While 'i programmet' is used if something is *contained* within the program (e.g., 'Informationen finns i programmet'), when you are watching it, you must use 'på': 'Jag ser det på programmet' (though usually just 'på TV').

Lastly, be careful with the word applikation. While 'program' is used for desktop software, Swedish speakers are increasingly using 'app' for mobile software, just like in English. Using 'program' to refer to a mobile app like Instagram or TikTok can sound slightly dated or overly technical, similar to calling them 'computer applications' in English. Stick to 'app' for mobile and 'program' for TV, computer software, and educational paths to sound more natural.

While program is a very broad term, Swedish has several more specific words that might be better depending on the context. If you are talking about a computer program specifically, you might use mjukvara (software) or applikation (application). Mjukvara is an uncountable noun used to describe software in general, whereas program refers to a specific piece of software. If you are coding, you might talk about a skript (script) or kod (code).

Program vs. Schema: A 'schema' is a schedule or timetable. Use 'schema' when talking about what time classes start. Use 'program' when talking about the degree you are studying for.

Mitt schema är fullt, men mitt utbildningsprogram är väldigt intressant.

In the context of television, sändning (broadcast) is a common alternative. While a program is the content, a sändning is the act of broadcasting it. For instance, 'en livesändning' is a live broadcast. Another related word is avsnitt, which means 'episode'. If you are talking about a specific part of a TV series, 'avsnitt' is more precise than 'program'. For example, 'Har du sett det senaste avsnittet?' (Have you seen the latest episode?). In theater or music, föreställning (performance/show) is often used instead of program when referring to the event itself rather than the printed guide.

Program vs. Plan: A 'plan' is an intention or a strategy. A 'program' is often the formalization of that plan. You might have a 'plan' to lose weight, which results in a 'träningsprogram'.

For educational contexts, kurs (course) is the most frequent point of comparison. A kurs is usually a single subject studied over a few weeks or months, while a program is a collection of courses. In politics, plattform or manifest are occasionally used, but partiprogram remains the standard term. If you are looking for a word that means 'agenda' in a meeting, dagordning is the correct term. While you might ask 'Vad står på programmet?', the formal list of points to be discussed is the 'dagordning'.

Vi måste följa dagordningen för att hinna med allt.

Technical terms: 'App' is for mobile. 'Programvara' is for the concept of software. 'System' is for a larger collection of programs working together.

Understanding these nuances helps you sound more precise. Using program is rarely 'wrong' because it is so broad, but choosing avsnitt for an episode or schema for a timetable shows a higher level of fluency. In summary, use program for the 'what' (the content, the software, the degree) and other terms for the 'when' (schema), the 'how' (sändning), or the 'part' (avsnitt).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Detta utbildningsprogram är ackrediterat."

Neutral

"Jag tittar på ett intressant program."

Informal

"Vilket soft program!"

Child friendly

"Nu ska vi titta på ett barnprogram."

Slang

"Han är helt programmerad."

Fun Fact

The word entered Swedish in the 18th century, originally referring to the list of themes for academic speeches.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /prʊˈɡram/

US /prʊˈɡræm/

Second syllable (pro-GRAM).

Rhymes With

diagram telegram kilogram anagram parallellogram piktogram monogram epigram

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable (PRO-gram) like in English.
Pronouncing the 'o' as a long 'o' (proh-gram).
Making the 'a' too long.
Failing to double the 'm' sound slightly at the end.
Not distinguishing the short 'o' from the English 'o'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy as it is a cognate.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but remember the double 'm' in definite forms.

Speaking 2/5

Stress is on the second syllable, unlike English.

Listening 1/5

Very recognizable in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ett titta dator skola bra

Learn Next

programmering mjukvara schema avsnitt kanal

Advanced

programmatisk implementera manifest arkitektur systemutveckling

Grammar to Know

Neuter noun declension (ett-words ending in a consonant)

ett program, programmet, program, programmen

Adjective agreement for neuter nouns

ett nytt program

Doubling of consonants in definite forms

program -> programmet

Compound noun formation

TV + program = TV-program

Preposition 'på' with media

titta på ett program

Examples by Level

Jag ser ett program på TV.

I am watching a program on TV.

Uses 'på' for watching TV.

Det är ett bra program.

It is a good program.

Adjective 'bra' is the same for all genders.

Vad är det för program?

What kind of program is it?

'Vad är det för' is a common way to ask 'what kind of'.

Ett program slutar nu.

A program is ending now.

Singular indefinite.

Jag har två program på min dator.

I have two programs on my computer.

Plural indefinite is the same as singular.

Programmet är roligt.

The program is funny.

Singular definite form.

Titta på programmet!

Look at the program!

Imperative verb 'titta'.

Mitt favoritprogram är här.

My favorite program is here.

Compound word 'favoritprogram'.

Vilket program läser du?

Which program are you studying?

Using 'läsa' for studying a program.

Vi behöver ett nytt program.

We need a new program.

Adjective 'nytt' agrees with neuter gender.

Programmet börjar om tio minuter.

The program starts in ten minutes.

Preposition 'om' for future time.

Det här programmet är gratis.

This program is free.

Demonstrative 'det här' for neuter singular.

Jag installerar programmet nu.

I am installing the program now.

Present tense verb 'installerar'.

Finns det ett program för barn?

Is there a program for children?

Compound word 'barnprogram' is also possible.

Jag gillar alla programmen på den här kanalen.

I like all the programs on this channel.

Plural definite 'programmen'.

Vad står på programmet idag?

What is on the program today?

Idiomatic use for 'agenda'.

Partiet presenterade sitt nya politiska program.

The party presented its new political program.

Possessive 'sitt' refers back to the subject.

Det här programmet kräver mycket minne.

This program requires a lot of memory.

Technical context.

Utbildningsprogrammet sträcker sig över tre år.

The educational program extends over three years.

Reflexive verb 'sträcker sig'.

Vi måste uppdatera programvaran.

We must update the software.

Use of 'programvara' as a synonym for software.

Programledaren var väldigt professionell.

The program host was very professional.

Compound: program + ledare.

Kan du skriva ut programmet till konserten?

Can you print the program for the concert?

Refers to a physical booklet.

Många program i TV4 är reklamfinansierade.

Many programs on TV4 are funded by advertising.

Plural indefinite.

Han har skapat ett program som förenklar bokföringen.

He has created a program that simplifies accounting.

Relative clause 'som förenklar'.

Regeringen har lanserat ett program för ökad integration.

The government has launched a program for increased integration.

Abstract social program.

Programmet för konferensen är ännu inte fastställt.

The program for the conference is not yet finalized.

Formal word 'fastställt'.

Detta program är kompatibelt med alla operativsystem.

This program is compatible with all operating systems.

Technical adjective 'kompatibelt'.

SVT erbjuder ett brett utbud av program.

SVT offers a wide range of programs.

Formal phrase 'brett utbud'.

Programmet syftar till att minska arbetslösheten.

The program aims to reduce unemployment.

Verb 'syfta till' (aim to).

Vi följer ett strikt rehabiliteringsprogram.

We are following a strict rehabilitation program.

Medical/structured context.

Vem ansvarar för det här programmets innehåll?

Who is responsible for this program's content?

Genitive form 'programmets'.

Programmet körs i bakgrunden.

The program is running in the background.

Passive voice 'körs'.

Det estetiska programmet i hans poesi är tydligt.

The aesthetic program in his poetry is clear.

Abstract literary use.

Vi måste utvärdera programmets effektivitet.

We must evaluate the program's effectiveness.

Formal evaluation context.

Deras partiprogram har genomgått stora förändringar.

Their party program has undergone major changes.

Perfect tense 'har genomgått'.

Programmeringsspråket är fundamentalt för programmet.

The programming language is fundamental to the program.

Technical precision.

Programmet omfattar flera olika delprojekt.

The program comprises several different sub-projects.

Verb 'omfatta' (comprise/include).

Detta är ett programmatiskt ställningstagande.

This is a programmatic stance.

Adjective 'programmatiskt'.

Programmet sändes i repris igår kväll.

The program was broadcast as a rerun last night.

Passive past tense 'sändes'.

Forskarna har utvecklat ett program för att simulera klimatförändringar.

The researchers have developed a program to simulate climate change.

Scientific application.

Detta ambitiösa program kräver betydande resurser.

This ambitious program requires significant resources.

Formal and emphatic.

Programmet genomsyras av en optimistisk framtidstro.

The program is permeated by an optimistic belief in the future.

Literary verb 'genomsyras'.

Man kan ifrågasätta det ideologiska programmet bakom reformen.

One can question the ideological program behind the reform.

High-level political analysis.

Programmet är en hörnsten i den nya strategin.

The program is a cornerstone of the new strategy.

Metaphorical usage.

Denna programförklaring är startskottet för kampanjen.

This program declaration is the starting signal for the campaign.

Compound 'programförklaring'.

Programmet har implementerats i enlighet med riktlinjerna.

The program has been implemented in accordance with the guidelines.

Formal administrative language.

Det rör sig om ett omfattande program för social ingenjörskonst.

It is a matter of an extensive program for social engineering.

Advanced sociological term.

Programmets arkitektur är både elegant och robust.

The program's architecture is both elegant and robust.

Technical/Aesthetic praise.

Common Collocations

titta på ett program

installera ett program

läsa ett program

politiskt program

ett spännande program

programmet börjar

avsluta ett program

följa ett program

programmets innehåll

skapa ett program

Common Phrases

Vad står på programmet?

— What is the plan or agenda for today?

God morgon! Vad står på programmet idag?

ett fast program

— A fixed or set schedule.

Vi har ett fast program för hela veckan.

det står i programmet

— It is mentioned in the printed guide or schedule.

Jag vet inte när de börjar, men det står i programmet.

ett brett program

— A diverse or extensive program.

Festivalen har ett brett program i år.

programmet för dagen

— The schedule for the day.

Här är programmet för dagen.

ett interaktivt program

— A program that allows user interaction.

Barnen gillar det här interaktiva programmet.

programmet är slut

— The program has finished.

Nu är programmet slut, dags att sova.

ändra i programmet

— To make changes to the schedule.

Vi var tvungna att ändra i programmet i sista minuten.

ett pedagogiskt program

— An educational program.

Det är ett väldigt pedagogiskt program för små barn.

programmet sänds

— The program is being broadcast.

Programmet sänds direkt från Stockholm.

Often Confused With

program vs schema

Schema is a timetable (when things happen), program is the content or the path.

program vs plan

Plan is an intention, program is a structured set of actions.

program vs app

App is for mobile devices, program is for computers or general media.

Idioms & Expressions

"ha något på programmet"

— To have something planned or scheduled.

Vi har en utflykt på programmet imorgon.

neutral

"stå på programmet"

— To be scheduled to happen.

Vad står på programmet för kvällen?

neutral

"fullspFullspäckat program"

— A very busy or packed schedule.

Vi har ett fullspäckat program under semestern.

informal

"följa programmet till punkt och pricka"

— To follow the plan exactly as specified.

De följde programmet till punkt och pricka.

formal

"bryta programmet"

— To interrupt a broadcast for urgent news.

Vi bryter programmet för ett viktigt meddelande.

media

"programenlig seger"

— A victory that was expected according to the plan/form.

Det blev en programenlig seger för hemmalaget.

sports

"ett späckat program"

— Similar to 'fullspäckat', a very busy schedule.

Dagen bjuder på ett späckat program.

neutral

"ingå i programmet"

— To be a part of the official schedule or curriculum.

Denna kurs ingår i programmet.

formal

"enligt programmet"

— According to the plan or schedule.

Allt går enligt programmet.

neutral

"programförklaring"

— A statement of intent or a manifesto.

Ministern gav en tydlig programförklaring.

formal

Easily Confused

program vs program

Same as English

In Swedish, it is an 'ett' word and the plural is the same as singular.

Jag har två program.

program vs schema

Both involve timing

Schema is for specific hours/days; program is for the whole curriculum or show.

Mitt schema visar att lektionen börjar nu.

program vs projekt

Both involve a plan

A project is a temporary endeavor; a program is often recurring or a larger structure.

Vi startar ett nytt projekt.

program vs kurs

Both are educational

A course is one subject; a program is a series of courses leading to a degree.

Jag läser en kurs i svenska.

program vs sändning

Both relate to TV

Sändning is the transmission; program is the content.

Sändningen börjar klockan sju.

Sentence Patterns

Jag tittar på [program].

Jag tittar på ett program.

Det här [programmet] är [adjective].

Det här programmet är bra.

Jag har [verb] [programmet].

Jag har installerat programmet.

Programmet syftar till att [verb].

Programmet syftar till att hjälpa barn.

Det [adjective] programmet omfattar [noun].

Det politiska programmet omfattar nya reformer.

Programmets arkitektur kännetecknas av [noun].

Programmets arkitektur kännetecknas av enkelhet.

Vilket [noun]program läser du?

Vilket läkarprogram läser du?

Vad står på [programmet]?

Vad står på programmet idag?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high

Common Mistakes

en program → ett program
Program is a neuter (ett) noun, not a common (en) noun.
två programer → två program
Neuter nouns ending in a consonant have no plural ending in the indefinite form.
programen → programmen
The definite plural requires a double 'm' for correct spelling and pronunciation.
titta i ett program → titta på ett program
Use 'på' when watching media content.
PRO-gram (stress) → pro-GRAM
The stress should be on the second syllable.

Tips

Plural Rule

Neuter nouns ending in a consonant don't change in the plural indefinite. Ett program -> Två program.

Stress the End

Swedish words often stress the final syllable if they are cognates with French or Greek origins. Say pro-GRAM.

Compound Power

Swedish loves compounds. Add anything to '-program' to specify it, like 'matprogram' (cooking show).

TV Prepositions

Always use 'på' when watching a program. 'Jag ser det på programmet' (less common) or 'på TV'.

Double M

Remember the double 'm' in 'programmet' to keep the 'a' sound short.

University Life

In Sweden, you 'go' (går) a program. 'Jag går läkarprogrammet'.

Software vs App

Use 'program' for PC/Mac software and 'app' for iPhone/Android.

Public Service

SVT programs are a big part of Swedish conversation. Mentioning a popular program is a great icebreaker.

Agenda

Use 'Vad står på programmet?' to ask what the plans are for a group outing.

No 'e' at the end

Unlike British English 'programme', Swedish 'program' never ends with an 'e'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'PRO' who uses a 'GRAM' (weight) to weigh his 'PROGRAM' choices. Or just remember it's exactly like English but with an 'ett'.

Visual Association

Imagine a TV screen showing a computer code that forms the shape of a university degree.

Word Web

TV-program Dataprogram Utbildningsprogram Träningsprogram Partiprogram Programvara Programledare Programkod

Challenge

Try to use the word 'program' in three different sentences today: one about TV, one about computers, and one about your plans.

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek word 'programma', which means 'a written public notice'.

Original meaning: A written notice or proclamation.

Indo-European (via Latin and Greek).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'partiprogram' can be a sensitive topic in political discussions.

In the UK, it is often spelled 'programme' for TV/events and 'program' for computers. In Swedish, it is always 'program'.

Sommar i P1 (Radio program) Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul (TV program) Melodifestivalen (TV program)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Watching TV

Vad är det på TV?
Byt kanal.
Programmet börjar nu.
Jag gillar det här programmet.

Using a Computer

Installera programmet.
Programmet kraschade.
Öppna programmet.
Stäng av programmet.

At University

Vilket program går du?
Programmet är svårt.
Jag har sökt till programmet.
Examen från programmet.

Event Planning

Finns det ett program?
Vad står på programmet?
Ändra i programmet.
Följa programmet.

Politics

Läs deras partiprogram.
Ett radikalt program.
Programförklaring.
Valprogram.

Conversation Starters

"Vilket är ditt favoritprogram på TV just nu?"

"Har du något speciellt program för helgen?"

"Vilket datorprogram använder du mest på jobbet?"

"Tycker du att utbildningsprogrammet verkar bra?"

"Vad står på programmet för kvällens fest?"

Journal Prompts

Beskriv ett program som du såg nyligen och vad du lärde dig av det.

Vilket program skulle du vilja läsa på universitetet om du fick välja fritt?

Hur ser ditt träningsprogram ut för den här månaden?

Om du fick skapa ett eget TV-program, vad skulle det handla om?

Reflektera över hur datorprogram har förändrat ditt sätt att arbeta.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is always 'ett program'. Neuter gender is essential for correct adjective agreement.

The indefinite plural is 'program' (no change). The definite plural is 'programmen'.

You can, but 'app' is much more common and natural in modern Swedish.

You say 'ett TV-program' or simply 'ett program'.

Yes, but usually the 'program' of an event (like a theater program) rather than a school timetable (which is 'schema').

It is a short 'o', similar to the 'u' in 'put' or 'foot'.

No, 'programmering' is the act of writing code (programming), while 'program' is the result.

No, the verb is 'programmera'.

It means 'What is planned for today?' or 'What is on the agenda?'.

Yes, always double the 'm' in the definite forms 'programmet' and 'programmen'.