Greetings
Greetings are an essential part of Swedish culture and can be a great way of making a positive first impression. In Sweden, handshakes are the most common way of greeting someone and tend to be firm and long. Swedes value respect and politeness, so try to introduce yourself with a smile and maintain good eye contact.
Handshakes
In Sweden, handshakes are the customary greeting, although locals might be surprised if you initiate contact with a handshake instead of hugging. Titles are unnecessary, and there is no need to use additional formal language unless you’re attending a business meeting or speaking to someone much older.
Generally, Swedish people do not like to stand too close when talking, and excessive physical contact can seem overly familiar; when introducing yourself and meeting new people, greeting them with a handshake while maintaining eye contact and smiling is polite. If members of the opposite sex are introduced informally, they might share a hug after shaking hands or skip the physical contact altogether – this varies from person to person.
In business meetings, maintain eye contact when shaking hands but avoid keeping it for too long as that can seem intimidating or aggressive. Pumping hands twice is common in Sweden though still not as common as in other countries such as the USA or Spain. Usually, handshakes should also be accompanied by some pleasantry about the weather conditions or perhaps any different relevant topic related to the context (e.g., “Nice weather today!”)
Kissing
When meeting for the first time, greetings in Sweden are casual and consist of shaking hands and saying ‘Hej‘ or ‘God dag,’ which means ‘Hello’ or ‘Good day.’ Regarding physical contact, Swedes often kiss when greeting friends and family, but not on a professional level.
If you’re invited to someone’s home, it is polite to bring flowers or chocolates. After shaking hands and exchanging small talk, you should be offered a cup of tea or coffee – politely refuse at first but accept if pressed.
If you’re dining in a restaurant with Swedish friends, it is customary for guests to split the cost of the meal. When eating out with Swedes, it is also important to remember that table manners are essential in Swedish culture, so make sure you know the correct etiquette before going out for dinner.
Introductions
In Sweden, people commonly greet each other with a handshake when meeting for the first time. Swedes typically introduce themselves using their first and last names when these introductions are formal. Swedes also commonly inquire about your full name more than once, so it is good to be prepared with a response and a smile.
The handshake should be firm and linger for a few seconds; it is considered impolite to let go of the person’s hand before they do. The handshake is often accompanied by direct eye contact and smiling, reflecting friendly and open attitudes amongst strangers and close friends.
It should also be noted that due to religious affiliations in some parts of Sweden, some people may refuse or not fully reciprocate with a handshake when meeting (i.e., they may place their hand over their heart instead). In these cases, it is ideal to respect the individual’s preference and respond accordingly with the same action (i.e., placing your hand over your heart).
Table Manners
If you are invited to dine with a Swedish family, there are some essential table manners you should be aware of. In the Swedish culture, it is important to show appreciation for the food you will be served and always to remember to be polite. You should also be aware of when it is acceptable to start and finish eating. Let’s take a look at some of the common Swedish table manners:
- Always show appreciation for the food served.
- Be polite.
- Wait until the host or hostess has started eating before starting yourself.
- Please wait for the host or hostess to indicate that it is time to finish eating.
- Do not talk with food in your mouth.
- Do not eat too quickly.
- Do not put too much food on your plate.
Toasting
In Sweden, toasting is a way of showing respect and honor towards the company present. A simple toast isn’t just throwing back a glass of wine, though that is the most popular way. In Swedish culture, you should state your toast with words. Examples of traditional toasts include wishing friends and family good health or loosening up awkward moments with a light joke.
When attending formal events, toasting etiquette is expected to include more significant words such as expressing gratitude for the joyous celebration or special event, honoring those who are no longer with them – either due to death or distance– and wishes for continuing friendship among everyone present. It is also important that everyone joins in when it comes time to toast, and each guest should plan out something appropriate ahead of time so as not to be left speechless when it’s their turn. Again, it helps to practice in advance if you are not accustomed to doing this.
Eating Habits
In Sweden, it is generally expected that those invited to a dinner table observe certain rules of etiquette to create an enjoyable atmosphere for all. It is important to compliment the host regarding their food and keep the conversation appropriate.
It is customary for meals in Sweden to begin with, a soup course followed by several other courses. The most common utensil used for eating is the fork held in the left hand, with the knife mainly used for cutting food. Swedes typically wait until everyone has been served before beginning to eat. Each guest should take small bites, chew with a closed mouth, and not vocalize while eating. It is also important not to fill your plate too much at once, and finishing what you have taken on your plate is considered polite. When finished eating, place your utensils parallel across your plate.
When out socially, dinners are often buffet-style or family-style dishes passed around the dinner table so guests may help themselves while conversing with guests at their side rather than holding up everyone’s dinner. At the same time, they serve themselves one particular dish. Coffee or tea will often be served afterward as a dessert or at the end of a meal and may come accompanied by cookies or simple sweets like pastries or chocolates.
Mealtime in Sweden should be relaxed but polite and thoughtful – maintaining good eye contact and keeping conversation light are critical elements of table manners in the country.
Table Etiquette
When dining in Sweden, it is essential to note the country’s traditional table manners and etiquette. Knowing the dos and don’ts of Swedish table manners will help ensure that you have a pleasant dining experience.
Before eating, it is customary to say “skål,” which means “cheers!” It is also essential to keep your hands visible above the table while eating. As a sign of respect, visitors should never start eating before their host has begun.
Food is served buffet style in Sweden, meaning you can choose what you want from the selection provided. Utensils are usually placed in order from outside-in: Fork on the left side of the plate and knife on the right side with knife facing away from the plate. When finished with a course, utensils should be placed neatly on the sides of your plate, facing upwards and away from your body, letting staff know when available courses have been completed. Sip beverages slowly throughout the meal and refrain from drinking too quickly. Additionally, Lars kronor (Swedish Kronor) may be present as a tradition at some meals. Still, it is not expected or required for guests present during formal meals—this applies mainly to family or informal dinners held in private homes rather than restaurants.
It should also be noted that many Swedes are particular about keeping food off their hands during mealtime, so they may use napkins to pick up food before consuming it directly with their mouth as part of an etiquette behavior known as matsmältning—or ‘eating mannerly.’ In addition, refraining from talking with your mouth full and minimalizing any loud noises are recommended while attending formal meals in Sweden, as these can be considered rude by locals even if they don’t verbalize it out loud. Finally, when finished with a meal, wait for everyone, including the hosts, before leaving the table unless excused prior by them directly. Bon appetite!
Gift Giving
Gift-giving is an essential part of Swedish culture and etiquette. It is considered a sign of respect to bring a gift, especially when visiting someone’s home or for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and holidays. Gifts also help to build relationships and express appreciation. Therefore, it is essential to know the customs and etiquette related to gift-giving in Sweden.
Gift Ideas
When giving gifts in Sweden, the most important factor – above price and practicality – is that your gift has been carefully chosen. Thoughtful gifts with a personal touch go a long way in this culture. In addition, the Swedes are very contemporary, eco-friendly, and highly valued design. Here are a few excellent gift ideas for the Swedes:
- Please treat them with gourmet food: Many Swedes appreciate good food and drinks. So, opt for something unique like smoked or cured salmon and pickled herring jars; organic cheese, meat, and specialty chocolates; or snacks like crisp bread, traditional flatbreads, salty licorice, etc.
- Gift them experiences: Swedes love to discover new experiences, like tickets to concerts or theater shows they will not otherwise buy; outdoor activities like skiing or whitewater rafting; spa treatments at health clubs/spas; culinary experiences at cooking classes/food tours.
- Give something special: Purchase an item that comes from Sweden, like Scandinavian jewels and furniture pieces with a unique history and design aesthetic behind it; engraved crystalware glassware (for special occasions); traditional costumes like dirndl dress (for women) & ski suit (both men & women).
- Present them with art: Swedes are artsy people, so you can pick up a piece of art from a local artist and surprise them. It could be anything from modernistic self-portraits to abstract ink illustrations – whatever fits their taste!
Gift Wrapping
Gift wrapping is an important part of Swedish gift-giving culture. Swedes have a strong appreciation for elegant and thoughtful presentations, so it is best to use excellent wrapping paper and include a handwritten note or even a poem if you can. The package should be attractive and thoughtfully presented regardless of the occasion or recipient.
In addition to being well wrapped, the gift should be appropriate for the occasion and level of familiarity with the receiver. Gifts between strangers are usually modest, while gifts from family members may be more expensive. Expected gifts vary greatly depending on whether it is an official or informal gathering. A helpful guideline is to give something small but meaningful such as Swedish crystal, chocolates, candles, or handmade items like paper crafts or knitted items like mittens and hats.
If you’re sending a gift to Sweden in the mail, being mindful of customs regulations when shipping abroad is also important – laws vary by country, so make sure to research these before sending your package!
Gift Giving Etiquette
Gift-giving is integral to social contact in Sweden and is appreciated by both the giver and the recipient. If a Swede gives you a gift, you should politely refuse it once or twice before graciously accepting to show that you are not just taking advantage of the person’s generosity. Small gifts – such as chocolates, pastries, books, or alcoholic beverages – are suitable for your hosts on special occasions such as birthdays or when invited for dinner.
Regarding business gifts, as with other countries in Europe and Scandinavia, discretion and good taste are key. If you are invited to someone’s home for dinner, bringing flowers or sweets like marzipan (mandelmassa) is a nice gesture, although many Swedes don’t expect any tokens of appreciation. Some companies will give gifts during Christmas – candy or chocolates often do the trick! Wine is another popular option, but common courtesy dictates that you go with something non-alcoholic if there might be children present at the party.
Whenever you give a gift to Swedes, ensure that it is appropriately wrapped and let the recipient open it in front of everyone else present so everyone can witness the nice gesture. Moreover, if someone from Sweden gives you something – even worn items such as clothes – accept them happily because refusal could be seen as discourteous and indicate ingratitude, meaning they may have put much thought into finding/making something they think you would like as opposed to buying something off-the-shelf!
Clothing
Clothing is an important part of Swedish culture, with traditional attire such as brightly colored folk costumes and stylish outerwear commonplace throughout the country. However, Swedes tend to dress more conservatively than many other countries, focusing on quality over quantity. For example, it is not uncommon for people to invest in their outerwear for several years, ensuring that it remains in pristine condition.
This section will cover how clothing is viewed by Swedes, as well as some tips for dressing for special occasions and events.
Formal Attire
For formal occasions, Swedish people usually wear a suit or nice dresses. Men typically wear darker colors and more professional-looking attire, such as a suit and tie with dress shoes. Women may also don formal clothing, such as a dress or skirt with a blouse and pumps.
Aside from special events like religious services, for which guests may need to wear traditional Swedish clothing – such as dirndls for women or bright-colored vests for men – casual clothing is the rule in Sweden. Smart casual or business casual clothing is appropriate for most situations, such as dinner at a friend’s house or restaurant.
Business Attire
In a business context, appearance is crucial as it implies levels of respect and formality. However, Swedish business wear is very much in line with its egalitarian values. As a result, certain styles have become popular throughout the country, though local areas may differ in how strictly people adhere to them.
Generally speaking, appropriate business attire for men includes neatly tailored, collared shirts (not necessarily tucked in) teamed with dark trousers or jeans and shoes that are neither too casual nor overly formal. Jackets are standard for more important meetings but perhaps less for casual situations.
Women tend to dress a little more formally than men – jackets and blouses (not necessarily tucked in), with skirts or trousers and smart shoes being acceptable for most professional occasions. Make-up should be kept minimum and jewelry subtle if necessary – except an everyday wedding ring if applicable – since excessive formal wear will come off as out of style or showy among the average Swede.
Casual Attire
Swedish style is all about casual-looking outfits that are comfortable and easy to wear. It often emphasizes clean, simple lines and muted colors, so avoid wearing anything too bright or flashy. Swedish people dress smartly but casually, combining classic and modern styles. Neutral colors such as black, navy, grey, and beige are common in Swedish wardrobes.
When dressing casually for everyday activities such as going to the movies or a cafe with friends, Swedes often opt for jeans paired with a cozy sweater or a nice t-shirt. However, for colder weather outside activities like camping or skiing, Swedes prefer practical clothing that is warm and comfortable such as jackets with lots of pockets plus scarves and beanies (ski hats).
For more formal occasions like weddings or dinner parties with family and friends, Swedes typically dress up in sleek, stylish evening wear such as dresses, tailored blazers, trousers, and fitted shirts. For example, men might choose dark trousers paired with a nice shirt, while ladies may opt for stylish combinations of skirts or trousers accessorized with jewelry. Backless evening gowns are not usually worn in Sweden except at more exclusive events like galas or award ceremonies.
Communication
Communication in Sweden can be a bit different than what people are used to in other countries. In Sweden, direct communication is encouraged, meaning it is essential to be open and honest with your opinion. It is also considered polite to be on time for any meetings. Swedes usually have a direct and informal communication style, avoiding being overly polite or formal.
Nonverbal Communication
Body language in Sweden tends to be more stoic and formal than in other parts. For example, it is common to see people stand tall with a straight back and minimal facial expressions. On the other hand, showing emotion too openly or using overly exuberant gestures may make someone uncomfortable or awkward.
It is important to be aware of your body language during conversations in Sweden. Avoid making direct eye contact, as this is seen as being overly aggressive and offensive to Swedes, who are used to a more subdued attitude. Instead, use glances every few seconds while speaking with someone you know or meeting someone for the first time.
Physical contact between strangers should be kept at a minimum; shaking hands is customary when greeting someone, but it should not linger too long or involve strong handshakes. Likewise, touching someone’s arm, shoulder, or face is typically not done with people who are not family members or close friends, regardless of gender.
Swedes rarely use informal body languages such as hand gestures, casual postures, and over-the-top facial expressions; these gestures may be disrespectful in some situations. People from other cultures must understand these boundaries so they do not inadvertently offend anyone or cause discomfort during social interactions.
Verbal Communication
Verbal communication in Sweden is generally indirect and may differ significantly from the direct approach, which is more common in many other countries. Swedes often consider confrontation impolite, which means that communication in Sweden is characterized by politeness, caution, and restraint. Being exact, concise, and clear when speaking with others is critical. Silence is also considered constructive and will help you gain trust with the Swedes.
When addressing people formally, use titles such as “Herr (Mr.), Fru (Mrs.), or Fröken (Miss)” followed by the surname. Informal conversation can be kept light and friendly with easy topics; avoid sensitive topics like money or politics as much as possible until you have developed a close relationship with them. Smile during conversations; it will reflect your openness and sincerity, reducing any tension or discomfort in cross-cultural communication.
In group discussions, disagreement is voiced but done so politely; points should be made calmly but firmly when necessary so that no one needs to worry about losing face if others don’t share their opinion. It’s important to keep your voice level – raised voices eliminate open talks rather than encourage them – while keeping the conversation casual yet respectful at all times.
Respectful Communication
In Sweden, communication is generally direct, matter-of-fact, and non-confrontational. People must speak respectfully and without raising their voices or making disrespectful comments. Politeness and civility are highly valued in Swedish culture, so people should use polite language and a respectful tone when communicating with others.
It is important to remember that Swedes rarely use first names when addressing someone they don’t know or aren’t close to. They also infrequently say goodbye when leaving a room – it is more common to walk away quietly rather than say goodbye directly.
When communicating with Swedes, it is important to keep an open mind and be willing to compromise to resolve. Therefore, Swedes prefer not to talk about matters that could lead to disagreements; instead, they focus on topics where all parties can agree.
It’s also common for people in Sweden to show a great deal of patience when listening to someone else speak – it can sometimes take longer for conversations in Sweden than in other countries because people feel the need to:
- Carefully listen and consider what the other person has said before responding or weighing themselves.