At some stage in your language learning journey, and likely at an early one, you’re going to find yourself reaching for more linguistic skills to help you make friends, navigate real-life interactions and leave a good impression on people you’ve met. Unless you’re only learning Swedish to know how to better insult people, learning a few Swedish compliments will always be worth your time.
It might be useful to know that when Swedes insult each other, they usually default to attacking the other person’s intelligence, whether directly or indirectly. Passive-aggressive notes are a common way to express displeasure in Sweden.
To make friends, not enemies, perhaps complimenting someone on their intelligence is one of the best Swedish compliments you can give. Fortunately, you’ve got plenty of other options, too.
Swedish Compliments
You are sweet! — Du är söt!
You have beautiful eyes. — Du har vackra ögon.
You are very nice. — Du är trevlig.
I love your smile, it’s so charming. — Jag älskar ditt leende, det är så charmigt.
I like your new haircut. — Jag tycker om din nya frisyr.
I like this color, it really suits you! — Jag tycker om färgen, den klär dig verkligen!
I knew you would succeed! — Jag visste att du skulle klara det!
That’s what I call smart! — Det kallar jag smart!
You are a great cook! — Du kan verkligen laga god mat!
The meal was delicious. The roast was excellent. — Maten var jättegod. Steken var utmärkt.
You outdid yourself. — Du har överträffat dig själv.
You did a great job. — Du har gjort ett jättebra jobb.
I love your sense of humor! — Jag tycker om din humor!
I appreciate your honesty. — Jag uppskattar din ärlighet.
You are so considerate! — Du är så omtänksam!
You dance well! — Du dansar bra!
People can always count on you! You are reliable. — Man kan alltid räkna med dig! Du är pålitlig.
You look fantastic! — Du ser bra ut!
I mean it as a compliment! — Det var tänkt som en komplimang!