The words of Sweden

Sweden — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Real words from the people of Sweden, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.

“Away is good, but home is best.”

Borta bra men hemma bäst.

Source: Traditional Swedish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Moderation is best.”

Lagom är bäst.

Source: Traditional Swedish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“The morning hour has gold in its mouth.”

Morgonstund har guld i mun.

Source: Traditional Swedish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Better one bird in the hand than ten in the forest.”

Bättre en fågel i handen än tio i skogen.

Source: Traditional Swedish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“The more cooks, the worse the soup.”

Ju fler kockar, desto sämre soppa.

Source: Traditional Swedish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“One should not cross the stream to fetch water.”

Man ska inte gå över ån efter vatten.

Source: Traditional Swedish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“He who gapes for too much often loses the whole piece.”

Den som gapar över mycket mister ofta hela stycket.

Source: Traditional Swedish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“You do not miss the cow until the stall is empty.”

Man saknar inte kon förrän båset är tomt.

Source: Traditional Swedish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Everyone knows the monkey, but the monkey knows no one.”

Alla känner apan, men apan känner ingen.

Source: Traditional Swedish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Alone is strong.”

Ensam är stark.

Source: Traditional Swedish proverb, public-domain oral tradition