More tips for the newcomer in Sweden! This article lists the six top tips for good manners in Sweden, but for those of you who cannot read Swedish we have written a short translation for you.
1. Avoid ‘dead fishes’, have a steady handshake and make eye contact.
2. Don’t forget the ‘System-bag’, bring your own alcohol to a party or turn it into a gift for the host if they insist on providing alcohol as a treat.
3. ‘Ursäkta’ always work, no matter whom you are addressing. It is more polite than just pointing at someone.
4. We don’t need white knights coming to our rescue, Swedish people appreciate politeness but beware of treating women differently. In Sweden everyone is assumed to receive the same treatment, regardless of gender.
5. Contact people during 9 am and 9 pm to avoid disturbing people.
6. Last but not least, scrap the ‘Ni’! In Sweden people say ‘Du’ to everyone except for the royal family, and it is often viewed as a symbol for equality.
Hope this will make your stay in Sweden more pleasurable, with less misunderstandings!
