Swedish is a language from the North Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family, spoken mainly in Sweden and some parts of Finland. As the official language of Sweden and one of the official languages of Finland, Swedish shares many similarities with the Scandinavian languages Danish and Norwegian.
Learning Swedish has many benefits, and language learning apps offer different teaching methods and approaches. After evaluating 15 different apps based on their Swedish courses, variety of exercises, usability, design and user feedback, I am now ready to highlight the best among them.
However, before we look at the different apps for learning Swedish, I would like to give you some basic information
about the language, its characteristics, dialect groups and some interesting facts. I will also address the question of how easy or difficult it is to learn Swedish.
Why Learning Swedish is Worthwhile
There are three main reasons for learning Swedish:
1. Broad understanding and reach: Swedish is not only spoken as a native language by 10 million people in Sweden, but is also understood in Norway, Finland and Denmark, where it is taught as an important second language in the educational system. Compared to the neighbouring Scandinavian languages, Swedish has more native speakers, which gives it a special status.
2. Rich learning resources: Thanks to the global interest in learning Swedish and Sweden’s efforts to promote the language, learners have access to a wide range of materials. From books to teaching aids to multimedia content, the resources are extensive and varied.
3. Linguistic similarity: For German speakers, Swedish offers the advantage of relative simplicity and linguistic similarity. The language contains many loan words and learning is facilitated by the related language structures. Although mastering Swedish pronunciation may seem challenging at first, it is easier than the sounds of other languages, such as Chinese, and becomes intuitive over time.
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How Difficult is it to Learn Swedish?
For people who are fluent in German or English, Swedish is considered moderately challenging.
It has similarities with English, particularly in basic grammar, which makes it easier to learn. Its sentence structure often follows the subject-verb-object pattern, similar to English and German. However, there are distinctions, notably in the use of perfect forms. Pronouns and prepositions are also quite similar.
Swedish nouns are divided into two genders: neutral and utrum (common gender). This differs from the typical masculine, feminine and neutral differentiation found in many languages.
Learning Swedish is interesting and different from learning other languages because of its unique grammar rules.
Key Features of the Swedish Language Overview
Swedish is a North Germanic language within the Germanic branch of the Indo-European languages. It is spoken mainly in Sweden but also in countries such as Canada, Estonia, Finland, Norway, the United Arab Emirates, and the USA. Around 9.2 million people worldwide speak Swedish as their mother tongue.
This language is closely related to Norwegian and Danish. All three are derivatives of Old Norse, which was spoken in the Scandinavian regions known today as Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes can understand each other without translation.
Although the languages have high mutual intelligibility, they cannot be classified simply as dialects of a single language. Instead, they are recognized as separate standardized official languages with specific linguistic and written norms in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Excited to learn more? Check out my approaches for effective language learning:
Insights into Swedish language peculiarities:
Swedish has several ways to pronounce words, especially vowel sounds that may vary depending on where you are in Sweden. There are 18 vowels in Swedish, nine long and nine short, and the length of the vowel changes the meaning of the word
Swedish language also has a way of saying words that gives them a special rhythm and melody. This can make a word mean something different even if it sounds the same. This rhythm is not the same throughout Sweden, and you won’t find it in Finnish Swedish.
In Swedish grammar there are two main ways of talking about things: the normal way (called the nominative case) and the way we show that something belongs to someone or something (called the genitive case). Swedish also has two kinds of words: some are “common” and some are “neutral”. It’s not always easy to see what the word is.
Words in Swedish don’t have a lot of variation in the way they are used in a sentence. A small change is when we want to show that something belongs to someone or something else.
One cool thing about Swedish is the way we use words like “the” and “a”. We put “a” in front of the thing we’re talking about and “the” at the end of the word. So instead of saying “the book”, we say “book the”.
Interesting Facts about Swedish Language and Culture
Swedes are known for their friendliness, and this is reflected in their language. A perfect example is the word “nja”, a subtle form of rejection that combines “ja” (yes) and “nej” (no).
Another popular linguistic phenomenon is the use of “lite” with adjectives, meaning “a little”, making expressions such as “a bit terrible” completely normal in Swedish.
The ability to convey a wide range of feelings, emotions and nuances with just a few words is a unique feature of the Swedish language. This includes words that are difficult to translate directly into other languages.
A prime example is “lagom”, which means “just right” or “in perfect balance”. It became famous through the character Karlsson on the Roof, who used it to describe his ideal level of contentment
On the other hand, “mysigt” is a versatile word that can mean cosiness, beauty, cuteness, wonderfulness or comfort, and is even used to describe favourite foods or personal items.
Dialects
Swedish has 6 dialect groups:
- Norrland dialects: Found in the northern part of Sweden, especially along the Norrland coast, and in the Finnish province of Österbotten.
- Svealand dialects: Belong to the historical heartland of Sweden, Svealand, which covers five provinces.
- Gotland dialects: Specific to the inhabitants of the island province of Gotland.
- Eastern Swedish dialects: Spread mainly in south-western Finland.
- Göta dialects: Characteristic of the historic regions of Värmland and Götaland.
- Southern Swedish dialects: Represented by the population in the southernmost provinces of Sweden, including Halland, Skåne and Blekinge.
Apps for Learning Swedish: My Rating
When I chose the most effective apps for learning Swedish, I based my choice on several factors, such as
- The range and organisation of learning materials
- The teaching strategies used
- Pricing and subscription plans
- Usability
- Presentation of learning content
- Feedback from users.
These criteria were used as a guide to make my list of recommendations. However, before going into the specific features and pros and cons of each app based on my tests, here is my personal ranking:
Top Recommendations:
- Babbel: Offers comprehensive learning approaches for various aspects of Swedish language, including grammar and pronounciation.
- Mondly: Ideal for expanding vocabulary across a wide range of topics such as family, countries, food, romance, and more.
- Hej svenska!: A free digital resource for practicing Swedish as a foreign language, covering vocabulary, expressions, and grammar through diverse exercises.
- Italki: Provides an interactive approach for flexible and effective Swedish language learning, enhancing reading, speaking, and writing skills.
- Preply: Similar to Italki, Preply facilitates connecting with native speakers for Swedish conversation practice.
Recommended:
- FunEasyLearn: Offers a wide range of vocabulary learning opportunities, but lacks grammar and sentence structure exercises.
- Glossika: Focuses on regular practice and repetition to improve language skills, mainly through sentence learning, but does not provide direct grammatical explanations or specific grammar exercises.
- LingGo: Allows you to learn new words in different contexts to improve comprehension, but does not cover all aspects of language learning and requires additional materials for grammar or conversation practice.
- Rosetta Stone: Uses an intuitive teaching method that combines visual elements with listening, speaking and reading exercises, but lacks grammatical explanations or translations for Swedish terms.
- Memrise: Varies in lesson quality, with some Swedish words lacking audio pronunciation and verbs often presented only in their base form without conjugation.
- LingQ: Goes beyond a simple reading and listening platform to offer a range of additional features. While the focus is on reading and listening, the app also offers the ability to have conversations with native speakers via Skype.
Less recommended:
- Duolingo: The effectiveness and teaching methods of Duolingo are questioned, despite the fact that the app is free to use.
- Drops: Offers a wide range of new words, but overlooks topics for advanced learners, such as verb conjugations or cultural customs.
- Pimsleur: This method is based on daily 30-minute audio lessons that encourage learning by repeating and rearranging sentences and vocabulary. Although the app is more expensive to use, it lacks explicit grammar explanations, conjugation tables and similar tools.
- Jicki app: This platform focuses on ‘language showers’ – short and entertaining audio lessons that teach Swedish in a dynamic context. I’m not entirely convinced by this approach, however, as listening is only one aspect of language learning.
TOP15 Apps to Study Swedish for my Test
In the next section, I’m excited to share my personal experiences with various language learning apps and present my top picks. We’ll explore the different courses, lessons, pricing structures, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of these applications.
Together, we’ll take a look at what they offer and examine how they can assist in learning Swedish.
#1. Babbel
Babbel is one of the world’s top language learning apps and also offers Swedish courses. It covers a wide range of topics, such as travel, culture and business, and caters for different levels, from beginner to advanced. The app focuses on the development of conversational skills through interactive dialogues.
In Babbel, users will find lessons designed to teach basic Swedish grammar and vocabulary. Beginners start by learning essential grammar structures and the meaning of basic words. By placing words in the spaces provided, users can improve their language skills and practise correct pronunciation.
As your level increases, more advanced exercises will be unlocked, such as speak words into the microphone, form complex sentences and translate specific word groups. You can find more information about the Babbel app on the pages: “How Much Does Babbel Cost?” and “A Personal Review of Learning Spanish with Babbel“.
In addition, the Babbel website offers comprehensive courses that not only improve language skills, but also provide a deeper insight into the country’s culture, thus enriches and deepens the Swedish learning experience.
#2. Mondly
Mondly, an award-winning language learning app that is currently gaining popularity.
The app stands out for its unique combination of translation exercises, gamified elements, comprehensive course content and innovative features such as Augmented Reality (AR) and chatbots.
Mondly’s interface is simple and easy to use and offers different ways to learn, such as typing, listening and matching pictures with words.
Instead of just repetition of phrases, Mondly focuses on learning language patterns used in real conversations, such as saying hello, goodbye or simple chats. You can read more about Mondly’s features in our articles: “Mondly vs Duolingo: Which One’s Better for Learning Languages?” and “Spanish with Mondly: Can I Recommend This App?“
With over 300 lessons on everyday topics such as family, weather, travel and food, and over 50 realistic conversations, Mondly offers plenty of opportunities to learn quickly. There are also over 2100 exercises, weekly quizzes and monthly tests to reinforce what you’ve learned
However, the grammar explanations in Mondly can sometimes be confusing. Although there are grammar sections, they don’t always explain things clearly, which can make it difficult to understand some words or phrases.
#3. Duolingo
Duolingo is a widely used app that personalises the learning process for each user. It boosts motivation by rewards for completed tasks and provides a continuous assessment of progress, which encourages consistent Swedish learning. While the basic version of the app is free, there’s also an ad-free premium version.
Duolingo uses flashcard style learning for Swedish, and provides vocabulary and thematic content that requires translation or identifies mistakes in sentences. For more information about this app, see “What Languages Are Offered on Duolingo?” and “Rosetta Stone vs Babbel vs Duolingo: Which App is Better?“
The platform includes different grammar modules, each focused on specific areas such as vowels and consonants, prepositions, conjunctions, numbers, pronouns, nouns and verbs. At the end of each module there’s a test which, if passed, unlocks access to the next topic block.
If the test results don’t meet the requirements, the app gives feedback on the mistakes made and recommends which content should be revisited for reinforcement.
#4. FunEasyLearn
FunEasyLearn is a diverse, free learning app that features extensive content and native speaker audio. The app aims to teach the alphabet, vocabulary and reading rules, as well as a wide range of games to improve skills such as listening, reading, writing and speaking.
A sophisticated evaluation system tracks users’ progress and effectively helps them to review what they have learned. With an extensive vocabulary of 6,000 Swedish words and 5,000 Swedish phrases, supported by 300,000 audio files and divided into 10 levels of difficulty, FunEasyLearn is suitable for a wide audience.
From children who learn about animals, fruit and vegetables in a fun way, to adults who learn specialist vocabulary, business phrases and how to deal with the authorities when preparing for a job abroad.
The app covers a wide range of areas of life with 140 subcategories, and presents words with phonetic transcriptions, pictures and pronunciations by native speakers.
FunEasyLearn makes language learning fun through various games such as
- Dictionary game
- Find the picture using the flashcard method
- Choose the word according to its translation
- Listen to the pronunciation and choose the picture
- Matching pairs of words with their translations
- Write the given word.
These playful elements create an interactive and attractive learning environment for beginners to advanced learners.
#5. Hej svenska
The app offers users a choice of three learning levels. Before starting the course, users are asked to enter their current language level and goals. Based on this, they will have access to a variety of topics and types of exercises in the navigation menu.
Learners can increase their vocabulary and work on the correct pronunciation of vowels and consonants. The app is available in both desktop and mobile versions and can be used free of charge.
#6. Drops
In 2018, Drops was named App of the Year by Google. The app, along with its version for children, Droplets, offers the opportunity to learn more than 2000 Swedish words, organised into more than 100 carefully curated thematic lists.
Drops Premium, the paid version, allows users to improve their listening skills. After each practice session, users receive a complete evaluation of their results.
A learning session on Drops lasts five minutes, during which the user learns new words through mini-games. The words are not entered manually, but learning is facilitated by interactively selecting the correct answer card.
This method activates visual memory, making it easier to learn new words quickly and effectively.
Drops is particularly suitable for beginners, as it provides all the basic vocabulary needed to learn Swedish step by step. Advanced learners can deepen their knowledge by focusing on specific dialects.
#7. LinGo
LinGo Play is an innovative dictionary application that focuses on learning through interaction with other users. Users have the opportunity to participate in tournaments, win prizes and climb the ranks.
The app is designed for learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Vocabulary is taught through flashcards and interactive online games.
Available learning topics range from art, home appliances, tourism, health and medicine to science, sports and business
With LinGo, users can
- Learn Swedish anytime, as the app is available 24/7.
- Improve their Swedish at any level, from beginner to advanced.
- Learn through interactive formats such as exercises, tests and quizzes.
- Improve your listening skills with Swedish audio and video.
- Practice speaking skills through special tasks and exercises.
- Monitor your own progress, with results displayed in a clear table to keep track of skills acquired and areas that need further practice.
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#8. Jicki App
Jicki Language Showers are innovative audio language courses that facilitate language learning through passive listening. The name “Language Showers” suggests that learners absorb the new language by immersing themselves in the audio content, similar to the relaxed experience of taking a shower, without actively translating or focusing on grammar.
The courses are designed to mimic the natural process of language acquisition as we experience it when learning our native language: through listening and imitation.
Jicki presents a wide range of audio content in different languages, specifically designed to improve comprehension, pronunciation and feeling for the language.
The structure of the Jicki Swedish app is as follows
- Listening: Each lesson begins with the repetition of important Swedish vocabulary, accompanied by smooth background music to help you memorise the words.
- Understanding: The vocabulary introduction is followed by a dynamic dialogue in which the new vocabulary is used in context, so that learners experience the words in their practical application.
- Speaking: With the sounds of the Swedish language in their ears, learners move on to speaking practice, where they start speaking immediately. This strengthens pronunciation and helps overcome speaking inhibitions.
- Cultural insights: The app allows immersion in Swedish culture, similar to a language trip, providing a comprehensive approach to learning.
#9. Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone is one of the leading language-learning software platforms and is used by millions of people worldwide to learn many languages, including Swedish.
The unique aspect of Rosetta Stone’s method of learning is its immersive approach, which allows learners to immerse themselves in the new language using only pictures, words and phrases in the target language. This approach avoids the use of translations or native language explanations to support natural language learning, similar to the way children learn languages.
Rosetta Stone users engage with interactive lessons that cover all essential language skills, including speaking, listening, reading and writing. The goal is to improve language skills through continuous practice and repetition. For more information about the app, see my comparison articles: “Duolingo vs Rosetta Stone: Which Language App Stands Out?” and “Pimsleur vs Rosetta Stone: Which Language App Suits You Best?“.
But there is also criticism: The price of the software is considered relatively high compared to other offerings. In addition, some learners find the fully immersive approach challenging, especially at the beginning without any prior knowledge. Another issue is motivation – some find it difficult to stay motivated, especially if progress is not immediately visible.
#10. Glossika
Glossika is an innovative language learning platform that promotes a natural language experience through the use of authentic contexts. With a range of more than 60 languages – from widely spoken ones like English, Spanish and Chinese to rarer ones like Icelandic, Swahili and Tamil – Swedish is also part of the course programme.
Glossika’s courses use the mass repetition method, in which learners actively listen to and repeat sentences and expressions in the target language. This method aims to develop not only vocabulary and grammar, but also an intuitive understanding of the structure and sound of the language.
Users have access to an extensive library of phrases and sentences, organised by topic and level. By listening, repeating and imitating the pronunciation and intonation of native speakers, learners can continuously improve and deepen their language skills.
Despite Glossika’s strengths, some learners may find the method too repetitive, which could lead to boredom. Another criticism is that the platform does not offer structured lessons or clear indicators of learning progress, which could make it difficult for users to measure and track their progress.
#11. Pimsleur
Pimsleur is a renowned language learning programme known for its audio-based approach to learning. The programme emphasises active listening and speaking to improve users’ language skills. It covers a wide range of languages, including Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Swedish.
Pimsleur’s audio lessons feature spoken phrases and dialogues in the target language, accompanied by instructions and exercises. Users listen to a dialogue, repeat the phrases and respond to them, with the aim of improving pronunciation and comprehension. The courses are systematically designed to facilitate the gradual acquisition of vocabulary and grammar.
Pimsleur’s Swedish courses cover essential topics such as greetings, everyday small talk, shopping situations, travel vocabulary and other relevant everyday situations. Through consistent listening and speaking practice, learners are motivated to express themselves quickly in the new language.
However, there is some criticism of Pimsleur, particularly the lack of written materials and the limited range of exercises, which focus mainly on listening and speaking skills. In addition, some learners find that the course progresses too slowly or that their specific learning needs are not adequately addressed.
#12. Memrise
Memrise stands out for its use of different learning approaches that make language learning both efficient and enjoyable. The platform offers courses in many languages, including Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese and Swedish.
The content on Memrise is primarily accessible through flashcards, which contain vocabulary, phrases and expressions to learn. These are often supplemented with visual or auditory aids to deepen understanding and make learning more engaging. Users practise the content through repetition and input, which trains the memory and helps to reinforce learning.
Memrise’s Swedish courses focus on essential vocabulary, expressions and grammar that are particularly important for beginners. The topics range from everyday situations to more specific areas such as travel and work. You can read more about the app on the page “Memrise vs Duolingo Review: Which App Is Better?“.
Potential drawbacks of Memrise are that some users may find the learning method too basic, especially if they are looking for more intensive language study. In addition, the predetermined structure of the courses may be too rigid for some learners who want more flexibility and personalisation.
#13. Preply
Preply is an innovative online platform that allows users to book individual language courses with experienced teachers from around the world. A wide range of languages are available, including English, Spanish, German, French, Chinese and Swedish
Classes on Preply are typically conducted via video call, allowing for direct interaction between students and teachers. Courses are tailored to the needs and learning goals of each individual. Teaching methods vary from conversation practice to vocabulary building and grammar training to ensure an effective learning experience.
Preply’s Swedish courses are suitable for learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced. The content of the lessons can cover different areas such as pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and cultural knowledge.
A potential drawback could be the variability in the quality of the lessons on Preply, as it depends heavily on the individual teacher. In addition, the cost of private lessons may be perceived as high compared to other online learning options or group courses.
#14. Italki
Italki works in a similar way to Preply, and offers online tutoring lessons. The platform is simple to use: After creating an account, Italki asks you to specify your target language and level.
Based on your chosen level, you can then select the purpose of your learning, whether it’s for educational purposes, professional needs or personal interests such as travelling. Next, select a regional language variant and your interests, and you are ready to start.
A key aspect of Italki is its wide range of tutors, which can also be seen as a potential drawback as the quality of teachers varies widely and it can take some time to find the right tutor.
As Italki teachers set their own rates, the price structure varies according to their qualifications and experience. Prices range from around 4 dollars per hour to 80 dollars per hour. A higher price does not necessarily mean a better teacher. Factors such as experience, teaching style and availability are also important.
Experienced teachers may charge higher prices, but they often offer more advanced lessons and tailored content. Many tutors also offer discounts for booking multiple lessons or special offers for new students.
Want to learn more? These articles may interest you:
#15. LingQ
LingQ offers an immersive and interactive language learning experience with a wide range of languages including Swedish, English, Spanish, German and French. The platform features a wide variety of learning materials such as articles, podcasts, videos and books written by native speakers. These resources are designed to improve listening comprehension, increase vocabulary and build overall language skills.
A unique feature of LingQ is the ability to import content from the web and convert it into individual lessons using a browser extension. This allows learners to integrate material based on their personal interests and language level.
LingQ also has a vocabulary training tool that makes it easy to save, review and practise new words and phrases to help learners build their vocabulary.
For Swedish learners, LingQ offers specially tailored content such as articles, podcasts and books that are designed to meet learners’ needs. These materials are helpful for deepening knowledge of the Swedish language and gaining a better understanding of grammar and conjugation.
One criticism of LingQ could be that the focus is mainly on passive learning, with less emphasis on active forms of learning such as speaking practice or grammar training. This could lead to learners having to rely on additional learning resources to fully master Swedish grammar and conjugation.
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Conclusion: Which App is the Most Effective for Learning Swedish?
The impressive range of language learning apps offers something for every learner, with different focuses and customisation options to suit individual learning needs. The right app for you depends on your specific preferences, goals and preferred learning methods.
I recommend the following apps for learning Swedish:
- Babbel impresses with its variety of exercises and systematically structured course plan, which provides an excellent basis for learning Swedish.
- Mondly stands out for its interactive features that make learning fun and interactive.
- Italki is ideal for learners who want personalised guidance and tailored feedback.
- FunEasyLearn is particularly suitable for those who prefer to learn vocabulary in a playful way.
- Hej Svenska is an effective app for learning basic vocabulary and basic reading and writing skills. The app provides quick feedback and a help function allows users to see the correct answer.
It’s worth trying different apps to find the one that best suits your needs. It’s important to remember that learning Swedish, or any language, requires regular practice and dedication. Whichever app you choose, the key to success is to use it regularly and stay motivated.
If you enjoyed my article, please feel free to share it. Have any questions? Don't hesitate to email me!
Disclaimer: I select and review independently. If you buy through affiliate links, I may earn commissions that help support my testing at no extra cost to you. Please read my full disclosure for more information.
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