Significado
Refusing to cooperate.
Contexto cultural
In Sweden, 'consensus culture' is king. Being the one who 'sätter sig på tvären' is often seen as a major social faux pas because it disrupts the group harmony. The phrase is a staple in Swedish political journalism, especially when describing 'vågmästare' (kingmaker) parties that use their small size to block big legislation. Swedish parenting often emphasizes dialogue, but when a child is 'trotsig' (defiant), parents will frequently use this phrase to describe the behavior to other adults. In Swedish offices, 'sätta sig på tvären' is often used behind someone's back to complain about a colleague who isn't being a 'team player'.
The 'Sig' Rule
Always remember the reflexive pronoun! It's the most common mistake for learners.
Don't be too rude
Telling someone 'Sätt dig inte på tvären' can be quite direct and slightly rude. Use it carefully with superiors.
Significado
Refusing to cooperate.
The 'Sig' Rule
Always remember the reflexive pronoun! It's the most common mistake for learners.
Don't be too rude
Telling someone 'Sätt dig inte på tvären' can be quite direct and slightly rude. Use it carefully with superiors.
Political Reading
If you read Swedish newspapers, look for this phrase in the 'Ledare' (Editorial) section. It's used constantly to describe party friction.
Teste-se
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun.
Varför måste du alltid sätta ___ på tvären?
Since the subject is 'du' (you), the reflexive pronoun must be 'dig'.
What does the phrase mean in this sentence: 'Facket satte sig på tvären'?
Facket satte sig på tvären angående de nya reglerna.
'Sätta sig på tvären' means to block or refuse to cooperate.
Choose the best response to complete the dialogue.
A: Ska vi äta pizza ikväll? B: Nej, jag vill inte ha pizza. Jag vill inte ha någonting. A: Men snälla...
Person A is asking Person B to stop being difficult and cooperate with the dinner plan.
Match the situation to the correct use of the phrase.
Which situation best fits 'sätta sig på tvären'?
This involves intentional obstruction or refusal to cooperate.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosVarför måste du alltid sätta ___ på tvären?
Since the subject is 'du' (you), the reflexive pronoun must be 'dig'.
Facket satte sig på tvären angående de nya reglerna.
'Sätta sig på tvären' means to block or refuse to cooperate.
A: Ska vi äta pizza ikväll? B: Nej, jag vill inte ha pizza. Jag vill inte ha någonting. A: Men snälla...
Person A is asking Person B to stop being difficult and cooperate with the dinner plan.
Which situation best fits 'sätta sig på tvären'?
This involves intentional obstruction or refusal to cooperate.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it's only for people or organizations. For a car, you would say 'Bilen vill inte starta' or 'Bilen krånglar'.
It is always 'på tvären'. 'I tvären' is incorrect.
Yes, similar versions exist (e.g., Danish 'sætte sig på tværs'), but the Swedish 'på tvären' is very specific to Sweden.
Yes, you can add 'mot [person]' to show who they are opposing.
Only if you are describing a past conflict you resolved. Don't use it to describe your own current attitude!
'Envis' is an adjective (stubborn). 'Sätta sig på tvären' is the action of being stubborn in a specific situation.
Usually, yes. It implies the person is being difficult. However, it can be used admiringly for someone with strong principles, but that's rare.
Yes! 'De satte sig på tvären' (They dug their heels in).
Jag sätter mig på tvären.
You could say someone is 'tvärvägrar' (flatly refusing) or just being 'omöjlig' (impossible).
Frases relacionadas
Sätta käppar i hjulet
similarTo put sticks in the wheel (sabotage).
Vara motvalls
synonymTo be contrary/stubborn.
Gå med på
contrastTo agree to something.
Tvärvägra
builds onTo flatly refuse.
