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B2 adjective 11 min read

rimlig

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips rimlig in 30 Seconds

Explanation rimlig in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'rimlig' in complex ways. You will mostly see it in the context of prices or simple opinions. For example, if you are shopping and see a price that looks okay, you might hear someone say 'Det är ett rimligt pris' (It is a reasonable price). At this stage, just remember that 'rimlig' means 'okay' or 'fair' when talking about money or simple plans. It is an adjective, so it describes things. If the thing is an 'en' word, use 'rimlig'. If it's an 'ett' word, use 'rimligt'. If there are many things, use 'rimliga'. You might also hear 'Det är rimligt' which just means 'That makes sense'. This is a very useful phrase to learn early on because it shows you understand what someone is saying. Even if you can't say much else, saying 'Rimligt' during a conversation makes you sound more engaged. Focus on the connection between 'rimlig' and the idea of 'fairness'. If you think a rule in a game is fair, it is 'rimlig'. If you think a task is too hard, you might say it is 'inte rimlig'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'rimlig' to describe daily situations and expectations. You might use it when talking about your work or school. For example, 'Jag har en rimlig arbetsbörda' (I have a reasonable workload). This shows you can talk about your life with more detail. You will also notice the word 'rimligt' used as an adverb more often. A common sentence at this level would be 'Det är rimligt att tro att det regnar imorgon' (It is reasonable to believe it will rain tomorrow). Here, you are using the word to show a logical guess. You should also learn the opposite word: 'orimlig'. If a friend asks you to walk 50 kilometers in one day, you can say 'Det är orimligt!' (That is unreasonable!). This helps you express stronger opinions. You will also see 'rimlig' in advertisements, often describing 'rimliga priser' (reasonable prices) or 'rimliga villkor' (reasonable terms/conditions). Understanding this word helps you navigate basic transactions and social interactions in Sweden. It's a key word for the 'lagom' culture where things shouldn't be too extreme.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'rimlig' in both spoken and written Swedish to justify your points of view. You can use it to discuss social issues or workplace problems. For example, you might say, 'Vi behöver hitta en rimlig lösning på problemet' (We need to find a reasonable solution to the problem). This level requires you to understand the nuance of the word—it's not just about being 'good', but about being 'justifiable'. You will start to see 'rimlig' in more abstract contexts, like 'en rimlig chans' (a reasonable chance) or 'en rimlig förväntan' (a reasonable expectation). You should also practice using the adverb 'rimligtvis'. For example, 'Rimligtvis borde tåget vara här snart' (Reasonably, the train should be here soon). This shows you are making a logical deduction based on evidence. You might also encounter the word in news reports about the economy or politics. When a journalist asks if a new tax is 'rimlig', they are asking if it is fair to the citizens. At B1, you are moving from just describing things to evaluating them, and 'rimlig' is a perfect tool for evaluation.

At the B2 level, 'rimlig' becomes a tool for nuanced argumentation. You should be able to distinguish between 'rimlig' and its synonyms like 'skälig' or 'förnuftig'. In a formal essay or a professional meeting, you might use 'rimlig' to define the scope of a project or the validity of an argument. For instance, 'Det är en rimlig slutsats givet den information vi har' (It is a reasonable conclusion given the information we have). This demonstrates that you understand the limits of logic and evidence. You will also encounter the word in legalistic or bureaucratic Swedish, where it often refers to what can be expected of a 'normal' person. You should be able to handle the word in complex sentence structures, such as 'Under rimliga omständigheter skulle vi ha varit klara nu' (Under reasonable circumstances, we would have been finished now). This uses the conditional mood and shows a high level of control over the language. You will also start to notice how 'rimlig' is used in cultural debates about 'den rimliga människan' (the reasonable person), a concept that is very important in Swedish law and social philosophy.

At the C1 level, you use 'rimlig' with precision and stylistic flair. You understand that the word carries a weight of social and logical consensus. In academic writing, you might use it to critique a methodology: 'Frågan är om urvalet kan anses vara rimligt representativt' (The question is whether the sample can be considered reasonably representative). You are no longer just using the word to mean 'okay'; you are using it to establish a baseline for objective truth or fairness. You will also be familiar with the word's role in idiomatic expressions and more complex rhetorical devices. For example, using 'allt rimligt tvivel' (all reasonable doubt) in a legal context. You can also use the word to express irony or sarcasm: 'Det är ju en högst rimlig begäran...' (That is a highly reasonable request...), implying the opposite. At this level, your use of 'rimlig' and its derivatives (like 'rimlighetsanalys'—reasonableness analysis) shows that you can operate within the highest levels of Swedish professional and intellectual life. You understand the subtle difference between something being 'logiskt' (logical) and 'rimligt' (socially and practically sensible).

At the C2 level, 'rimlig' is part of your intuitive linguistic repertoire. You use it to navigate the most complex social, legal, and philosophical discourses in Swedish. You understand the deep etymological roots of the word and how it relates to the concept of 'rim' (rhyme/measure), implying a world that 'fits' together. You can engage in high-level debates about 'rimlighetsprincipen' (the principle of reasonableness) in administrative law or ethics. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker's, including the subtle use of 'rimligtvis' to structure a complex logical proof. You can appreciate and use the word in literary contexts where it might describe a character's internal struggle with what is fair. You also recognize when the word is being used as a 'weasel word' in political rhetoric to avoid making concrete commitments. At C2, 'rimlig' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual lens through which you can analyze and participate in the Swedish worldview. You are capable of explaining the cultural significance of 'rimlighet' to others, perhaps contrasting it with the more individualistic 'reasonable' in English or 'raisonnable' in French.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

rimlig in 30 Seconds

Rimlig means reasonable, fair, or plausible in Swedish, used for logic and prices.
It changes to rimligt for neuter nouns and rimliga for plural or definite forms.
Commonly used in the phrase 'Det låter rimligt' to show agreement with logic.
It is a key word in Swedish culture for setting fair expectations and boundaries.

The Swedish word rimlig is an essential adjective for anyone reaching an intermediate or advanced level of Swedish. At its core, it translates to 'reasonable', 'fair', or 'plausible'. However, its usage spans several conceptual domains, from financial fairness to logical consistency. When you call something rimligt, you are suggesting that it fits within the bounds of common sense, social norms, or logical expectation. It is the linguistic embodiment of the Swedish 'lagom' spirit applied to logic and ethics—not too much, not too little, but just right and justifiable.

Financial Context: In the world of commerce, rimlig is used to describe prices or costs that are not exploitative. A 'rimligt pris' is a price that reflects the true value of a product without being overpriced. It is often used in negotiations or when comparing different service providers to indicate that a quote is acceptable.
Logical Plausibility: When discussing theories, excuses, or explanations, rimlig shifts toward 'plausible'. If someone gives a 'rimlig förklaring' for why they were late, it means their story makes sense and is believable. It is the opposite of something far-fetched or 'orimligt'.
Social Expectations: Swedes use this word to set boundaries. A 'rimlig arbetsbörda' (reasonable workload) is a common topic in workplace discussions. It implies a volume of work that a human can realistically complete within their contracted hours without burning out.

Det är inte rimligt att förvänta sig att en person ska göra allt arbete själv på en enda dag.

Translation: It is not reasonable to expect one person to do all the work alone in a single day.

Culturally, the concept of being rimlig is highly valued in Sweden. Swedish society often prides itself on consensus and rationality. Being perceived as 'orimlig' (unreasonable) is a significant social negative, as it suggests a lack of cooperation or a departure from shared reality. Whether you are discussing the climate goals of the government or the time it takes for a bus to arrive, rimlig is your go-to word for assessing the 'correctness' of a situation relative to expectations.

Vi måste hitta en rimlig balans mellan arbete och fritid för att må bra i längden.

Translation: We must find a reasonable balance between work and leisure to feel well in the long run.

Furthermore, the word often appears in the neuter form rimligt as an adverb or an impersonal predicative. For example, 'Det låter rimligt' (That sounds reasonable) is one of the most common phrases used to show agreement in a discussion. It signals that you have processed the information and found it to be logically sound. In a professional setting, confirming that a deadline is 'rimlig' is a crucial part of project management and expectation setting.

Using rimlig correctly requires an understanding of Swedish adjective declension. Like most Swedish adjectives, it changes its ending based on the gender and number of the noun it describes. Because it ends in '-ig', it follows the standard pattern for this common suffix group.

The Three Forms

Rimlig: Used with en-words (common gender). Example: en rimlig chans (a reasonable chance).
Rimligt: Used with ett-words (neuter gender) or as an adverb. Example: ett rimligt antagande (a reasonable assumption).
Rimliga: Used for plural nouns or in the definite form. Example: de rimliga kraven (the reasonable demands).

Är det ett rimligt krav att alla ska vara här klockan sju på morgonen?

Translation: Is it a reasonable requirement that everyone should be here at seven in the morning?

One of the most powerful ways to use rimlig is in its adverbial form rimligtvis. This means 'reasonably' or 'presumably'. It is used to express a logical deduction. For example, 'Han borde rimligtvis vara hemma nu' (He should reasonably be home now) implies that based on what we know, it is logical to assume he is home. This adds a layer of intellectual sophistication to your Swedish, moving beyond simple facts into the realm of logical inference.

Priset på den här lägenheten verkar faktiskt ganska rimligt jämfört med andra i området.

Translation: The price of this apartment actually seems quite reasonable compared to others in the area.

In more formal or academic writing, rimlig is frequently paired with abstract nouns like slutsats (conclusion), nivå (level), or grad (degree). For instance, 'en rimlig grad av osäkerhet' (a reasonable degree of uncertainty) is a common phrase in research. It acknowledges that perfection is impossible but that the current state is acceptable within logical parameters. This versatility makes the word indispensable for nuanced communication across all registers of the Swedish language.

Vi har kommit fram till en rimlig kompromiss som båda parter kan acceptera.

Translation: We have reached a reasonable compromise that both parties can accept.

You will encounter rimlig across a vast spectrum of Swedish life, from the casual chatter in a Gothenburg café to the intense debates in the Riksdag (the Swedish Parliament). It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the profound. In daily life, you'll hear it most often when people are evaluating options. If a friend suggests a plan for the weekend, you might respond with 'Det låter rimligt' to show you agree with the logic of the schedule or the cost involved.

In the News and Media: Swedish news outlets like SVT or Dagens Nyheter use rimlig constantly when reporting on policy changes or economic shifts. Journalists often ask politicians, 'Är det här en rimlig politik?' (Is this a reasonable policy?). This question forces the politician to justify the logic and fairness of their actions to the public.
In Business and Workplace: During salary negotiations (lönesamtal), the word is central. An employee might argue that a certain salary increase is rimlig based on their performance and the current inflation rate. Employers, in turn, use it to define expectations for project timelines and resource allocation.

Många experter menar att det är rimligt att anta att räntorna kommer att ligga kvar på denna nivå.

Translation: Many experts believe it is reasonable to assume that interest rates will remain at this level.

Legal and bureaucratic contexts also favor rimlig. While 'skälig' is the technical legal term for 'fair', rimlig is used in the explanatory notes of laws (förarbeten) to describe the standard of behavior expected from a citizen. The 'reasonable person' standard in law is often translated or discussed using rimlig. It implies a level of caution and logic that any average person would exercise.

Furthermore, in the context of climate change—a major topic in Sweden—you will hear discussions about 'rimliga omställningskrav' (reasonable transition requirements). This highlights the tension between the necessity of environmental action and the practicalities of economic and social life. The word rimlig becomes the pivot point for these complex societal negotiations, proving that it is far more than just a simple vocabulary word—it is a tool for navigating modern Swedish discourse.

Det finns ingen rimlig anledning att tacka nej till ett så bra erbjudande.

Translation: There is no reasonable reason to say no to such a good offer.

Even for advanced learners, rimlig can present some hurdles. The most frequent errors involve confusing it with related words or failing to apply the correct grammatical gender. Because English uses 'reasonable' for both logic and price, learners often forget that Swedish has other specific words that might fit better in certain high-stakes contexts.

Rimlig vs. Billig: A common mistake is using rimlig when you actually mean 'cheap' (billig). While a reasonable price is often a good price, it doesn't necessarily mean it's low. Calling a 5000 SEK dinner 'rimlig' means the price matches the quality of the caviar and service, not that it's a bargain. If you want to say something is inexpensive, use billig or prisvärd (good value).
Confusion with 'Rolig': For beginners, the similar endings of rimlig and rolig (funny/fun) can cause slips of the tongue. Saying 'Det var en rimlig film' when you meant 'Det var en rolig film' changes the meaning from 'It was a fun movie' to 'It was a reasonable/plausible movie'—which might sound like a very dry critique of the plot's logic!

Fel: Han gav en rimligt förklaring.
Rätt: Han gav en rimlig förklaring.

Explanation: Since 'förklaring' is an en-word, the adjective must be 'rimlig', not 'rimligt'.

Another subtle mistake occurs in the choice between rimlig and förnuftig. While often interchangeable, förnuftig refers more to a person's character or a decision based on wisdom (sensible/rational). You would describe a person as förnuftig, but a price as rimligt. Calling a person rimlig is possible, but it implies they are being 'reasonable' in a specific negotiation rather than being a generally 'sensible' person.

Lastly, watch out for the double negative. In Swedish, 'inte orimligt' (not unreasonable) is a very common way to express a cautious 'yes' or 'likely'. Learners sometimes struggle with this litotes (understatement), but mastering it will make your Swedish sound much more authentic and 'lagom'. Instead of saying 'Det är sant' (That is true), try 'Det är inte orimligt att anta...' (It is not unreasonable to assume...).

To truly master Swedish, you need to know when to use rimlig and when to reach for a more precise synonym. Swedish is a language that values nuance, especially in formal and professional settings. Below is a comparison of rimlig with its closest linguistic relatives.

Skälig vs. Rimlig: Skälig is the 'legal' cousin of rimlig. You will find it in contracts and laws (e.g., 'skälig lön' or 'skälig tid'). While rimlig is based on logic and common sense, skälig is based on what is 'fair' according to rules or standards. In everyday speech, rimlig is much more common.
Förnuftig vs. Rimlig: Förnuftig translates best as 'sensible' or 'rational'. It often describes a person or a choice that shows good judgment. While a rimlig plan is one that makes sense logically, a förnuftig plan is one that is wise to follow. Use förnuftig when you want to emphasize the wisdom behind a decision.
Plausibel vs. Rimlig: Plausibel is a direct loanword meaning 'plausible'. It is used almost exclusively for theories and explanations. Rimlig can also mean plausible, but it is broader. You can have a rimlig price, but you cannot have a 'plausibelt pris'.

Det är en skälig begäran rent juridiskt, men den känns inte rimlig i vår situation.

Translation: It is a fair request legally, but it doesn't feel reasonable in our situation.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the antonyms. The most common is orimlig (unreasonable/absurd). If something is orimligt, it defies logic or fairness entirely. Another alternative is absurd, which is used when something is so unreasonable it becomes laughable. For instance, 'Ett orimligt krav' is a tough demand, but 'Ett absurt krav' is a demand that makes no sense at all.

In summary, while rimlig is a versatile workhorse of the Swedish language, being aware of these alternatives allows you to express yourself with the precision of a native speaker. Whether you are arguing a point in a debate or simply agreeing with a friend's logic, choosing the right degree of 'reasonableness' is key to effective communication in Sweden.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Because 'rim' also means 'frost' in Swedish, some learners think 'rimlig' has something to do with winter, but the two words come from completely different linguistic roots!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈrɪmlɪɡ/

US /ˈrɪmlɪɡ/

Stress is on the first syllable: RIM-lig.

Rhymes With

dimlig stimlig simlig kvinnlig finnlig vinnlig sinnlig vänlig

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'g' too hard. In natural speech, it is usually silent: 'rim-li'.
Using a long 'i' sound (like 'seem'). It should be short like 'rim'.
Failing to roll the 'r'.
Pronouncing the 'l' too darkly (like in English 'pool'). Swedish 'l' is light.
Over-emphasizing the second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text, but nuance requires B2 level understanding.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct declension (rimlig/rimligt/rimliga).

Speaking 3/5

Final 'g' is usually silent, which can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Commonly used in fast speech as 'rimli'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

rätt pris bra tänka logisk

Learn Next

skälig förnuftig plausibel rättvis måttlig

Advanced

proportionerlig adekvat koherent vedertagen legitim

Grammar to Know

Adjective declension for -ig endings.

en rimlig bil, ett rimligt hus, rimliga bilar.

Adverb formation using -t.

Han agerade rimligt.

The suffix -vis for frequency or logic.

Rimligtvis (reasonably).

Impersonal 'det' with adjectives.

Det är rimligt att...

Compound noun formation.

Rimlighets + analys = rimlighetsanalys.

Examples by Level

Är priset rimligt?

Is the price reasonable?

rimligt matches 'priset' (ett-word).

Det är en rimlig plan.

It is a reasonable plan.

rimlig matches 'plan' (en-word).

Det låter rimligt.

That sounds reasonable.

rimligt is used as an adverb/predicative here.

Vi har rimliga regler.

We have reasonable rules.

rimliga is the plural form.

Huset har ett rimligt pris.

The house has a reasonable price.

Adjective describing 'ett pris'.

Är det rimligt?

Is it reasonable?

Impersonal use with 'det'.

En rimlig tid är klockan åtta.

A reasonable time is eight o'clock.

rimlig matches 'tid' (en-word).

De är rimliga.

They are reasonable.

Plural form.

Det är rimligt att äta nu.

It is reasonable to eat now.

Impersonal construction 'Det är rimligt att...'.

Hon har en rimlig lön.

She has a reasonable salary.

rimlig matches 'lön' (en-word).

Det var inte ett rimligt krav.

It was not a reasonable requirement.

Negative sentence with 'inte'.

Vi behöver rimliga mål.

We need reasonable goals.

Plural adjective.

Är det rimligt att vänta en timme?

Is it reasonable to wait an hour?

Question about a situation.

Han gav ett rimligt svar.

He gave a reasonable answer.

rimligt matches 'svar' (ett-word).

De rimliga priserna lockar kunder.

The reasonable prices attract customers.

Definite plural form.

Det verkar rimligt, tycker jag.

That seems reasonable, I think.

Using 'verka' (to seem).

Det finns en rimlig chans att vi vinner.

There is a reasonable chance that we will win.

rimlig describes 'chans' (en-word).

Rimligtvis borde han vara här snart.

Reasonably, he should be here soon.

Adverbial form 'rimligtvis'.

Vi måste hitta en rimlig balans i livet.

We must find a reasonable balance in life.

Abstract noun 'balans'.

Är det rimligt att betala så mycket för kaffe?

Is it reasonable to pay so much for coffee?

Critical question about cost.

Hon kom med ett rimligt förslag på mötet.

She came with a reasonable proposal at the meeting.

rimligt matches 'förslag' (ett-word).

Det är inte rimligt att jobba övertid varje dag.

It is not reasonable to work overtime every day.

Impersonal construction.

Vi har satt upp rimliga förväntningar.

We have set up reasonable expectations.

Plural form.

Det låter som en rimlig förklaring till felet.

That sounds like a reasonable explanation for the error.

rimlig matches 'förklaring'.

Det är en rimlig slutsats baserat på statistiken.

It is a reasonable conclusion based on the statistics.

Academic context.

Man kan rimligtvis anta att marknaden växer.

One can reasonably assume that the market is growing.

Use of 'rimligtvis' with 'anta'.

Är kraven på de sökande rimliga?

Are the requirements for the applicants reasonable?

Plural predicative adjective.

Vi söker en rimlig kompromiss i den här frågan.

We are seeking a reasonable compromise in this matter.

Political/Professional context.

Det är rimligt att anta att priserna kommer stiga.

It is reasonable to assume that prices will rise.

Logical deduction.

De har inte haft en rimlig möjlighet att svara.

They haven't had a reasonable opportunity to respond.

rimlig matches 'möjlighet' (en-word).

Är det rimligt att staten lägger sig i detta?

Is it reasonable for the state to interfere in this?

Debate context.

Vi måste hålla oss till en rimlig budget.

We must stick to a reasonable budget.

rimlig matches 'budget' (en-word).

Frågan är vad som utgör en rimlig levnadsstandard.

The question is what constitutes a reasonable standard of living.

Sociological context.

Det finns inget rimligt tvivel om hans skuld.

There is no reasonable doubt about his guilt.

Legal terminology 'rimligt tvivel'.

Vi förväntar oss en rimlig grad av professionalism.

We expect a reasonable degree of professionalism.

Professional standard.

Är det rimligt att kräva total transparens?

Is it reasonable to demand total transparency?

Ethical debate.

Man bör rimligtvis kunna kräva bättre service.

One should reasonably be able to demand better service.

Complex modal construction.

Det är en rimlig tolkning av den nya lagen.

It is a reasonable interpretation of the new law.

Interpretative context.

Analysen vilar på rimliga antaganden.

The analysis rests on reasonable assumptions.

Scientific/Analytical context.

Det är inte rimligt att belasta enskilda individer.

It is not reasonable to burden private individuals.

Social justice context.

Rimlighetsprincipen är central i svensk förvaltning.

The principle of reasonableness is central to Swedish administration.

Compound noun 'rimlighetsprincipen'.

Det framstår som en rimlig avvägning mellan intressen.

It appears to be a reasonable balance between interests.

High-level diplomatic/legal language.

Rimligtvis borde diskursen skifta mot hållbarhet.

Reasonably, the discourse should shift towards sustainability.

Using 'rimligtvis' to describe societal trends.

Är det rimligt att tillmäta detta så stor betydelse?

Is it reasonable to attach such great importance to this?

Epistemological questioning.

En rimlig gissning är att tekniken snart är mogen.

A reasonable guess is that the technology will soon be mature.

Speculative context.

Det finns gränser för vad som är rimligt att tåla.

There are limits to what is reasonable to endure.

Philosophical/Ethical limit-setting.

Vi måste agera inom rimliga tidsramar.

We must act within reasonable timeframes.

Project management at a strategic level.

Hennes argument var både rimliga och välunderbyggda.

Her arguments were both reasonable and well-supported.

Adjective coordination.

Common Collocations

rimligt pris

rimlig chans

rimlig förklaring

rimlig balans

rimlig tid

rimlig lön

rimlig slutsats

rimliga krav

rimlig nivå

rimlig misstanke

Common Phrases

Det låter rimligt.

— Used to agree that an idea or plan makes sense. It is a very common conversational filler.

Ska vi ses klockan sex? - Ja, det låter rimligt.

Inom rimliga gränser.

— Within reasonable limits. Used to say that something is okay as long as it doesn't go too far.

Du får äta vad du vill, inom rimliga gränser.

Det är bara rimligt.

— It's only fair/reasonable. Used to justify a specific outcome or demand.

Att han får betalt för sitt arbete är bara rimligt.

En rimlig gissning.

— A fair guess. Used when you are not sure but have a logical reason for your answer.

Min rimliga gissning är att de har gått vilse.

Efter rimlig eftertanke.

— After reasonable reflection. Used to show that a decision was made carefully.

Efter rimlig eftertanke valde vi att sälja.

Det är inte mer än rimligt.

— It's no more than fair. A stronger way of saying something is justified.

Det är inte mer än rimligt att hon får en ursäkt.

På rimligt avstånd.

— At a reasonable distance. Often used for housing or locations.

Skolan ligger på rimligt avstånd från hemmet.

En rimlig grad av...

— A reasonable degree of something. Common in formal writing.

Vi kräver en rimlig grad av säkerhet.

Helt rimligt.

— Completely reasonable. Used for strong emphasis in agreement.

Deras beslut var helt rimligt.

Inte på långa vägar rimligt.

— Not even remotely reasonable. Used to express strong disagreement.

Ditt förslag är inte på långa vägar rimligt.

Often Confused With

rimlig vs rolig

Means 'funny' or 'fun'. Often confused due to the -lig ending.

rimlig vs riktig

Means 'real' or 'correct'. Rimlig is about 'reasonableness', not 'reality'.

rimlig vs renlig

Means 'cleanly'. Very different meaning but sounds similar.

Idioms & Expressions

"Hålla sig inom rimlighetens gränser"

— To stay within the bounds of what is reasonable. Used to warn against excess.

Vi måste hålla våra utgifter inom rimlighetens gränser.

Neutral

"Utom allt rimligt tvivel"

— Beyond all reasonable doubt. A legal standard for conviction.

Han dömdes eftersom skulden var bevisad utom allt rimligt tvivel.

Formal/Legal

"Rimligtvis borde..."

— Reasonably speaking, [something] should happen. Used for logical deduction.

Rimligtvis borde de vara framme vid det här laget.

Neutral

"Det finns ingen rim och ranson"

— There is no rhyme or reason (often used to say something is unreasonable).

Det finns ingen rim och ranson i deras krav.

Informal

"Ta sitt förnuft till fånga"

— To come to one's senses (related to being rimlig/förnuftig).

Jag hoppas att han tar sitt förnuft till fånga och ändrar sig.

Neutral

"Göra en rimlighetsbedömning"

— To make an assessment of reasonableness. A common bureaucratic term.

Vi måste göra en rimlighetsbedömning av projektets tidsplan.

Professional

"Sätta en rimlig nivå"

— To set a reasonable level or standard.

Det är viktigt att vi sätter en rimlig nivå på förväntningarna.

Neutral

"I rimlig utsträckning"

— To a reasonable extent.

Vi kommer att hjälpa till i rimlig utsträckning.

Formal

"Det är inte rimligt någonstans"

— It's not reasonable at all (very emphatic).

Att vi ska betala för deras misstag är inte rimligt någonstans.

Informal/Slang

"Vara rimlig mot sig själv"

— To be reasonable/fair to oneself (often about mental health).

Du måste försöka vara rimlig mot dig själv och inte stressa så mycket.

Neutral

Easily Confused

rimlig vs skälig

Both mean fair/reasonable.

Skälig is more formal and legal; rimlig is everyday and logical.

Skälig hyra (legal term) vs. Rimligt pris (everyday term).

rimlig vs förnuftig

Both relate to logic.

Förnuftig describes a person's wisdom; rimlig describes a situation's logic.

En förnuftig man vs. Ett rimligt beslut.

rimlig vs logisk

Both involve reason.

Logisk is about strict rules of logic; rimlig is about what is sensible in practice.

En logisk gåta vs. En rimlig tid.

rimlig vs rättvis

Both translate to 'fair'.

Rättvis is about moral justice/equality; rimlig is about proportion and sense.

En rättvis dom vs. En rimlig lön.

rimlig vs billig

Often used for 'reasonable prices'.

Billig means low cost; rimlig means the price matches the value.

En billig tröja vs. Ett rimligt pris för en kostym.

Sentence Patterns

Är [noun] rimlig/t?

Är priset rimligt?

Det är rimligt att [verb].

Det är rimligt att sova nu.

Det låter som en rimlig [noun].

Det låter som en rimlig förklaring.

Rimligtvis borde [subject] [verb].

Rimligtvis borde han veta det.

Givet [circumstance] är det rimligt att anta...

Givet läget är det rimligt att anta att vi förlorar.

Frågan om [topic] kokar ner till vad som är rimligt.

Frågan om skatten kokar ner till vad som är rimligt.

Hitta en rimlig balans mellan X och Y.

Hitta en rimlig balans mellan socker och salt.

En rimlig [noun] för [purpose].

En rimlig lön för arbetet.

Word Family

Nouns

rimlighet (reasonableness)

rimlighetsanalys (reasonableness analysis)

rimlighetsbedömning (reasonableness assessment)

Verbs

rimma (to rhyme - etymologically related, but distinct in modern use)

Adjectives

orimlig (unreasonable)

rimlig (reasonable)

förnuft (reason/sense)

skälighet (fairness)

logik (logic)

måttfullhet (moderation)

balans (balance)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both speech and writing.

Common Mistakes

Using 'rimlig' for 'funny' (rolig). → Den här filmen är rolig.
Learners often mix these up because they both end in '-lig'. Rimlig = reasonable, Rolig = funny.
Saying 'en rimligt pris'. → Ett rimligt pris.
Pris is an ett-word, so the adjective must end in -t. Also, the article must be 'ett'.
Using 'rimlig' to mean 'real'. → Det är en riktig bil.
English 'real' sounds like the start of 'rimlig', but they are not related. Use 'riktig' or 'verklig' for real.
Using 'rimlig' for a person's general character. → Han är en förnuftig person.
Rimlig describes an action or logic in a specific case. Förnuftig describes a person's general common sense.
Pronouncing the 'g' too strongly. → Pronounce it as 'rim-li'.
A hard 'g' at the end of adjectives is very rare in natural Swedish speech and can sound robotic.

Tips

Adjective Agreement

Always check the gender of the noun. 'En chans' -> rimlig. 'Ett pris' -> rimligt. 'Krav' (plural) -> rimliga. This is the most common error for learners.

Use the Antonym

Learning 'orimlig' alongside 'rimlig' is very helpful. Swedes love to complain about 'orimliga priser' or 'orimliga väntetider'.

The 'Lagom' Word

Think of 'rimlig' as the logical version of 'lagom'. It’s about finding the right, justifiable amount of something.

Conversational Agreement

Instead of just saying 'ja' or 'okej', use 'rimligt' or 'det låter rimligt' to sound more like a native speaker during discussions.

Nuanced Arguments

In essays, use 'rimligtvis' to bridge your points. It shows you are making a logical progression in your thinking.

Silent G

Train your ear to hear 'rimli' and 'rimlit'. Most audio recordings will include the 'g', but real people often don't.

Salary Talk

If you work in Sweden, use 'rimlig lön' in your 'lönesamtal' (salary talk). It sounds more objective and less demanding than 'högre lön'.

Plausibility Check

Use 'rimlig' when evaluating if a story is true. If it doesn't add up, it's 'orimligt'.

Beyond Doubt

Remember the phrase 'utom rimligt tvivel'. It's essential for understanding Swedish crime dramas or news.

Setting Boundaries

Use 'rimlig' to tell people what you can and cannot do. 'Det är inte rimligt att jag gör allt' is a polite but firm way to set a boundary.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'rim' (rhyme). A good rhyme 'fits' the poem perfectly. A 'rimlig' price or plan 'fits' the situation perfectly.

Visual Association

Imagine a scale (like the scales of justice) where both sides are perfectly balanced. That balance is 'rimlig'.

Word Web

Pris Logik Krav Chans Lön Tid Balans Förklaring

Challenge

Try to use the phrase 'Det låter rimligt' at least three times in your next Swedish conversation to show you are following the logic.

Word Origin

The word 'rimlig' comes from the Old Swedish 'rim' which meant 'measure', 'number', or 'calculation'. This is the same root that gave us 'rim' (rhyme), based on the idea of things fitting a specific measure or pattern.

Original meaning: Originally, it described something that was 'measured' or 'proportional'.

Germanic (related to Middle Low German 'rim').

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; 'rimlig' is a very safe and neutral word.

English speakers often use 'fair' for both 'rimlig' and 'rättvis'. In Swedish, 'rättvis' is for justice/equality, while 'rimlig' is for logic/proportion.

The 'rimlighetsprincip' in Swedish law. Commonly used in Swedish consumer protection slogans. Frequent term in the 'Lagom' lifestyle discourse.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping and Finance

Ett rimligt pris
Rimliga villkor
Är det rimligt?
Prisvärd och rimlig

Work and Career

Rimlig arbetsbörda
Rimlig lön
Rimliga förväntningar
Inom rimlig tid

Arguments and Logic

En rimlig förklaring
Det låter rimligt
Ett rimligt antagande
En rimlig slutsats

Legal and Rules

Utom rimligt tvivel
Rimliga skäl
Rimlighetsprincipen
Skälig och rimlig

Daily Life and Plans

En rimlig tid
På rimligt avstånd
En rimlig balans
Helt rimligt

Conversation Starters

"Tycker du att priserna på bostäder i den här staden är rimliga?"

"Vad anser du är en rimlig tid att vänta på en buss?"

"Är det rimligt att förvänta sig att folk svarar på mejl under helgen?"

"Hur hittar man en rimlig balans mellan jobb och fritid?"

"Tycker du att det är ett rimligt krav att alla ska lära sig svenska?"

Journal Prompts

Beskriv en situation där du tyckte att någon ställde ett orimligt krav på dig.

Reflektera över vad som utgör en rimlig levnadsstandard i dagens samhälle.

Skriv om ett beslut du har fattat som kändes rimligt vid tillfället.

Diskutera om det är rimligt att staten har så mycket kontroll över individen.

Vad är ett rimligt mål för din språkinlärning under de närmaste tre månaderna?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it usually means they are being reasonable in a specific situation, like a negotiation. If you want to say they are a generally sensible person, use 'förnuftig'.

'Rimligt' is the adjective/adverb meaning 'reasonably'. 'Rimligtvis' is a specific adverb meaning 'presumably' or 'by all rights of logic'. For example, 'Han agerade rimligt' (He acted reasonably) vs. 'Han borde rimligtvis vara här' (He should presumably be here).

It is neutral. You can use it with friends, at work, or in academic papers. It is one of the most versatile words in Swedish.

The most common way is to add the prefix 'o-', making it 'orimlig'.

Not exactly. It means the price is fair. A very expensive item can have a 'rimligt pris' if it is high quality. If something is just low cost, use 'billig'.

In standard spoken Swedish, yes, it is almost always silent. However, in very formal reading or in some southern dialects, it might be heard slightly.

It means 'That sounds reasonable' or 'That makes sense'. It's the standard way to agree with someone's plan or explanation.

Yes, 'en rimlig förklaring' is a very common way to say 'a plausible explanation'.

It is a legal and administrative principle in Sweden that decisions made by authorities must be reasonable and proportional to the situation.

The plural form is 'rimliga'. For example: 'rimliga krav' (reasonable requirements).