Prerequisites
This course is appropriate for absolute beginners who have little or no previous knowledge of the Swedish language.
Approach
The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to the Swedish language and culture within a practical context. It steadily builds the essential knowledge needed for effective communication and interaction. All four communicative skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing - are developed throughout the course. Each lesson is task-oriented, focusing on a specific topic that connects logically to previous and upcoming lessons. The participants gain a strong foundation in grammar, use high-frequency vocabulary, and develop the ability to understand the main ideas in short texts and audio/video clips. They practice writing short messages and interact in a simple manner; including asking and answering simple questions about themselves and their daily routines. The course also offers cultural insights of Swedish-speaking countries (Sweden and Finland), highlighting local customs, traditions, and everyday life, within the context of language learning. Additionally, the curriculum includes linguistic comparisons between Swedish and English*, and the participants engage in practical translation exercises to further enhance their language skills. Various learning strategies will be introduced to encourage independent study and self-guided learning.
Methods and forms of work
The course includes work on the following topics and grammar:
-
Topics: Self-introduction, Swedish customs, family, leisure, furniture, studies, work, dining out, shopping, postal services, the market, telephone conversations, weather, fashion, economy, hobbies, Lund - Göteborg.
-
Vocabulary: Regular vocabulary tests.
-
Phonetics: Rules of Swedish pronunciation and interactive phonetic exercises.
-
Speaking: Asking and answering questions, simple social conversations.
-
Listening: Exercises to listen comprehension.
-
Key grammar points: Personal pronouns in the subject form, present tense, past tense, future tense, cardinal numbers, main clauses, auxiliary verbs, imperative form, the relative pronoun “som,” genitive, definite and indefinite forms, singular and plural, possessive pronouns, reflexive possessive pronouns, main verb forms, short answers, word order in subordinate clauses, adverbs, adjectives in singular and plural, and prepositions.
-
Writing: Personal postcards, emails, filling out forms, simple requests and responses.
-
Translation exercises
-
Analysis of grammatical errors
-
Learning strategies
-
Insights into German-speaking life and culture
Performance monitoring
-
Independent study
-
Individual assignments as homework
-
Grammar and vocabulary test after each completed unit
-
Final Test: A comprehensive assessment to evaluate understanding and application of the course material.
-
One examination simulation for the Swedish A1 exam.
Learning materials: Printed worksheets on grammar, vocabulary, authentic written material from various sources, multimedia (video recordings, film, TV, radio, song texts, etc.) are used to complement the standard textbook.
Beginn/Term duration: On request.
Mode of delivery: Online, face-to-face (company courses only), blended.
Placement test: A placement test, which includes grammar exercises and a brief personal interview (max 15 minutes), is recommended.