I'm a Swede who has lived in Stockholm, London and Paris (as a kid). In London people are very polite and Swedes are certainly less polite, but I do think once you get past the surface Swedes are generally very friendly and helpful. If you ask for help in Sweden strangers are usually very helpful (something I have experienced in London as well - but less so in Paris). I think all big cities have a different vibe on work days. There is much less friendliness when people are commuting and stressed about work, so if you want friendly behaviour on a Monday morning I'd suggest leaving the city. If you need help with anything I live in a northern Stockholm suburb and would be happy to help if I can.
I believe there are 2 categories of beggers in Stockholm. One are "Swedish" (I'll come back to them a bit later) and the other are those who migrated from Romania when it entered EU and migration restrictions were removed. I remember the year when the ban was lifted. The streets were literally flooded with people sleeping in them, under which ever bridge you passed there were tons of people there as well. There would be a beggar in front of every single store. If you'd sit in a cafe and observe them, you'd see that they have a "handler" who checks up on them, brings them some coffee etc... But I believe the authorities did something, now there are way less of them, you see them occasionally. You might also see them in public transport - they'll get into everyone's face to ask for some money. Now coming back to "Swedish" beggers. These are usually people who lived all their lives in Sweden, but are homeless now. They are organized as well, but in a different way, "legal", I'd say. You might often see them in Östermalm, but also in other various high-traffic places. The key difference with them is that they will silently beg, they won't get into your face, they won't address passers by directly. They also sell a magazine that's published by their "union", buying that magazine is basically giving to their charity which takes care of them. These beggers will often have Swish so you can donate to them like that, unlike the other group which only takes cash. Also, you'll sometimes see these beggers in public transport, but unlike the first group which will go to each and everyone inside, these ones will will usually enter a train, loudly announce in clear Swedish that they are homeless and looking for charity, wait there for a second to see if they will get any, and move on without addressing / bothering any of the passengers directly. BTW, I'm not a Swede, just someone who moved to Sweden (Stockholm) several years ago. And these are just my observations.
I am a Swede and I agree with your points. The EU migrants came maybe 10 years ago and in the beginning us Swedes had a hard time knowing how to handle them since we were not used to seeing people begging. I think as time passed on less people gave money to them (due to reports in media of organized begging and prolonged exposure). I think this is one of the mayor reasons for their decline in numbers. There are also some municipalities that made begging illegal at certain places but these places are exceptions rather than the rule.
From where I am begging is often looked down upon because there are programs to take care of social outcasts. Which we pay for through taxes. Giving money to beggars is basically beggars double dipping. Double dipping does not apply to foreign beggars unless they have managed to become swedish citizens. Swedes often want strangers to stay outside of their bubble of privacy and foreign beggars invade that bubble.
@@beorlingo I never wrote that selling it was begging. I guess I could have written homeless/beggers or maybe even a longer chunk of text to write it properly, but my post was already quite long and I didn't want to complicate it even more. I meant no disrespect to either of the two groups when calling them that, I just used the same term as the OP to address them and focused my post on what I wanted to say
I think the tip about finding a common interrest is the right way to go. Something worthy of note in Sweden is that we have a strong traditin of forming clubs/associations (SV: Förening). These are often small (but could be large) local interrest groups that meet up regularly and practice their hobbys. This could be anything from sewing, tabletop gaming, various types of crafting, book clubs, exercise (of course), political interrestes, and anything between heaven and earth. If you have an interrest, I can almost guarantee there's a local club for that, and 100% guranteed withing the larger stockholm area.
Ah, what a great tip! I would love to join a club like this. I have a few things I like to do in my spare time including playing tennis and/or volleyball. I will do my research, thank you! 👌🏻
Don't be shocked to meet a lot of Swedes who will speak German with you, even fluently a lot of times. Swedish school and education system implements two obligatory languages to be learned from young age. Also, from 7th grade you have to choose one of three additional languages to learn (If you do not wish to learn a new language, you will be put in a Eng/Swe class to hone your skills in the obligatory languages). But one of those 3 languages that you have to learn is; Spanish, French or German, lots of swedes opt for either Spanish or German. Spanish being for a frequent vacation hotspot for Swedes and also just a unique language that has a lot of different flavors around the world. And the second most picked language is German, for being most comfortable and easy to learn and it has similarities to Swedish language.
@@LivingSwedish I studied English from 3:rd grade.That means I studied English al least 10 years. Then French 3 years and German 2 years in college. I am a normal typical swede in that sense
Like most countries and cultures, Sweden is certainly a taste that doesn't fit everyone. I'm Swedish and i've known a bunch of both Swedes and non Swedes over the years who express how boring and cold we are, who wishes that they lived in a warmer country with more open people. But for someone like me - who loves the difference in our seasons, who enjoys the cozy rainy autumns and the dark cold winters inside, who's pretty introvert, who like the closeness to water, forests and parks, who doesn't want to be bothered by strangers and speak to everyone (but i'm still friendly if someone speaks to me and helpful if needed), who have very few but extremely close friends and doesn't feel the need to make or have hundreds of shallow "friendships" - ...Sweden is simply perfect for me. At least in that sense. When it comes to politics, ideas, ideologies, movements, etc, then maybe not so much :). Then it's hard to have opinions that "goes against the grain" without being harshly judged.
@@LivingSwedish The culture of speaking and how close you can get to people varies. Generally, as a big generalization, one can say that the further north you get in Sweden the shorter sentences people use. And sometimes people up north are harder to get freinds with. That said when you get friends you are friends for long time.
I'm so very glad that you talked about the fact that many Swedes don't fit into the prejudices that so many reaction videos and the like talk about. Of course, many can be reserved and cautious, but certainly not as described by many. I myself have no problem talking to anyone anywhere about anything. Most of the Swedes ... I'm Swedish myself .... I hang out with are the same.
I feel being an attractive, well behaved female probably helps with getting positive interaction with swedes. That being said , swedes can be reserved but, like with all people, once you get to know them they are pretty great.
Regarding friendships, it vary a lot from person to person, but in general, you can get just friends that you may spend a couple of hours with once or twice a month, but no it's hard to find a friend for life that maintain the friendship forever. This is not only in Sweden, it's everywhere in this world!
Im a swede living in Germany. I think the word i have come to use the most when comparing sweden and germany is whether or not people are considerate of others. As ive learned germans arent necessarily mean, its just what you sound like you are because of the directness. So that unspoken expectation, is that it is expected of you to be considerate towards others. You can say what you want in nice ways and still be direct. I would like to know an exampel of this siutation to hear from other peopels perspectives. Cause im struggling and need help hehe.
Hahaha I don't even notice these things 🤪The North of Sweden is definitely on my list. What should I check out first? Thanks so much for watching my video!
@@LivingSwedish Even go to South of Sweden Malmö and Österlen area in Skåne is beatiful and The West Coast Göteborg, Varberg, Halmstad Bohuslän Smögen and Strömstad is beatiful places to visit. You have mutch to explore good look! 😀🤝❤️🇸🇪
I think it won't be the cold that will get you during winter, but the darkness... at least that is what I have heard. I live in the north of Sweden so here it is even worse. Around Christmas there will be around 1 hour of daylight, that's it. But then we have summer, like it is right now. Daylight 24/7... (which can get a bit annoying in its own way actually, I recommend thick curtains in the bedroom)
@@LivingSwedish I don't think Stockholm will be that much darker than London in the winter. In Stockholm you'll have at least a good 6 hours of daylight , from around 8-9 ⏰ in the morning until around 3 ⏰ in the afternoon. And then it depends on what your work schedule looks like, and if you're able to go outside on your lunch break, just to catch some daylight. That actually helps a lot. I work in the health care branch, and the most common thing is to have a so called " rolling schedule " where we work different hours on different days. That makes it a lot easier to catch enough daylight to keep the winter tiredness at bay. If you can influence your work schedule, or maybe work from home ( at least partially) it's easy to get outside for a little walk during the light hours. If you're stuck in an office with small windows 8-5⏰, Monday to Friday, your lunch break will be your "life saver " in the winter 😄
@@elainekarlsson8384 Ah, yes. I recall when I was around 9 years old and my family went to Stockholm to visit... it was summer and I got super surprised when it got DARK at nine in the evening (21:00 for us swedes). It really is a big difference from the north.
You should avoid going to restaurants and cafes in Stockholm, because these places are more expensive than if you search a little outside the city itself. And to avoid the popular streets among tourists, where it is more expensive. Stockholmers are the most difficult people in Sweden to get to know and if you get to know someone who lives in Stockholm, they are not born and raised in Stockholm. We who are from Northern Sweden prefer Gothenburg and those who live there, they are easier to get to know and make friends.
@@LivingSwedish As a person who moved to stockholm living in the very center of it. There are PLENTY PLENTY of good restaurants and cafes here, but I would recommend to stay clear of some places in "gamla stan". Be prepared that everyone outside of Stockholm will talk down about Stockholm.. It is a whole thing. You will see. But to outsiders Stockholmers can seem self absorbed.
If you compare with London, I would say that Stockholm is cheaper. But it depends. Swedes are nice when the sun looks ahead, you can probably expect a little difference in November. Many beggars or street musicians take swich, but I sometimes withdraw money just for that purpose.
About the cash thing: no, not allot of people have cash on them these years and it’s usually older people who aren’t used to have cards and paying in a cashless system. Many stores, companies etc are starting to become less accepting to cash so I wouldn’t recommend relying on it. Ofc you could do whatever you want and have some spare cash on you. I would recommend getting a “mobile” Bank ID if you haven’t already which you have in your phone, sort of like Apple Pay. A must have app if you do get it is “Swish” which makes it possible to only pay using your phone. You can even easily send money to contacts and friends and it makes life much easier, especially in this cashless system :))))
The winters in Sweden is not vary cold in Skåne but in dalarna/sälen and high up in Sweden is vary vary cold. When your a kid you can have a bank card 0-17years
In Denmark you can, use MobilPay, e.g. when you buy their magasin, Hus Forbi, from a homeless. Sweden must have something like it, paying via your phone. Footnote: in Denmark the homeless has a "union". They make this monthly magasin, that they sell in the streets. They've got identity cards. We've actually had issues with SouthEast Europeans robbing the sign (and the magasines) from our homeless at night. Easy pickings 😬
Dear. We have german/french and English in school. So many of us can atleast communicate in a Third language. I am 2 languages away from being a polygloth but i can not decide on wich languages.
Since your native is language German i think it shouldn't be that difficult to learn some Swedish. Our language is a German one and has many similarities with yours.
Sweden clean? Ok but Sweden was cleaner 20-25 years ago. At least when it comes to streets and parks, now you can see a lot of rubbish on the streets before, not at all. Of course, Swedes may seem a little unfriendly, it's probably mostly because we are not so open and overwhelming in our reactions. However, we always mean what we say and our perception of things.
I've lived in London for the past 10 years so it always depends on what you can compare it to hahaha My first impression of Swedes are very positive. I've seen nothing but friendliness ❤️
Swedish people will tell you what you have done wrong, if you ask honestly. Asking will show that you are aware that something didn't happen as expected or wanted, and that you want to know what/how for future reference. Not asking, or simply quietly waiting for someone to tell you, will be seen as you not being interested in learning and/or cooperation and/or shared existence. Which is, for me at least, something of a 'pet peeve'. And it doesn't matter if what went wrong did so because of it being expected to be done in a stupid way. If so, then reply with a suggestion on how it should be done better. However, telling someone to shove it, does not count as a suggestion for improvement ;-)
They are given money by older men and women. The people who are most likely to give alms are pretty much always over the age of 50, and if you're over the age of 50, you probably use cash out of habit. This is something I've noticed working in elder care. Older ladies, particularily around age 60-70 pretty much always use cash, unless their kids have specifically taught them how to use card, and even then, sometimes they just hand over the card to the clerks whenver they need to buy things.
Its unusually warm this summer. You should be happy its not 2019... it barley made it over 20 the whole summer. But its rather typical... some summers are really nice, some are really bad.. a few are avrage. 2018 was insane, summer temperature from april to oktober.
Speaking german is not thst uncommon. In 7th grade you get to chose a 3rd languh to learn. In my class 60% choice german. Of cause nowdays Spanish is more common. Also fransh is pretty common In highschool you can typically chose a 4th. And If you really want to you can also chose a 5th
if you live in sweden you might aswell ask .. What is cash ^^ money today here is just numbers on the internet. im 40 and I can't even recall the last time I did hold any cash in my hand, its all swish or credit cards nowdays and for me I love it I hate having to deal with coins and paper and wallets that you got to haul around. Nowdays its just cards that I got inside my phonecase on the side that I wana take with me everywhere I go anyway as its together with my phone.
German used to be somewhat well understood, like my parent's generation. Gradually less so, I think. In my doughter's class, german was available but everyone chose spanish, lol.
German was the most studied 3rd language in Swedish schools up until the 2000's, when it was overtaken by Spanish. Probably because it's seen as more useful, since Germans speak quite good English nowdays. Except for the grammar German is quite easy to learn for a native speaker, as there is tons of shared vocabulary. Stockholm had a majority of German inhabitants up until the 1500's, and there was a law stating that maximum 50% of the city council could be Germans.
@@LivingSwedish I could pick between french and german in school... it was the grammar that scared me off from german and I picked french. Then I had to learn a bunch of french verbs in various tenses and bitterly regretted my choice. I don't speak a word of french today, and I had it for six years while in school. :/
@@evawettergren7492 Tbh school sucks a little with learning languages (other than English maybe, because you can use it more). I had Latin at school 😂...because I was also afraid of languages (I was terrible at English).
My experiance in London (really not lived there but vissted quite a few times) is thst spring hits really early and can be quite warm (compared to sweden) then it dont get any warmer, maybe even coler later in the summer. In sweden spring is late but it get warmer and warmer and warmer every Day untill early august. Then its stable for two weeks. Then a week into september it starts to rain and it rains for 3 months
The beggars here are actually quite organized. I have seen people in really nice cars swing by and get the money from these beggars, one watching the car and one shaking down the beggars for what they got, on multiple occasions. Often, the older generation have cash and are funding most of their income, however, the recycled plastic cans are quite valuable - and they will often beg people to take their bottles / cans to recycle so they can earn money that way. The number has actually gone down a bit now during the pandemic - just before the pandemic - it was basically one person placed per store and even places like hospitals, which is a bit tacky to be honest. They will often switch from sitting begging to going out finding recycled bottles as well. Pre-pandemic it was also very common for beggars to walk up and down subways putting out pictures along an entire subway car of fake family problems and asking for money that way. In general, Sweden has very relaxed laws, against anything of a criminal element, which has kind of attracted this kind of behaviour. There were some backlash when beggars starting to relieve themselves inside children daycares / playgrounds, but at least that has toned down now.
Hallo! Willkommen in Schweden! Bin neugierig wenn Sie ein video machen in sechs Monaten oder so, wann es sehr dunkel und kallt hier sein. Bin Schwedish und glaube es hier manschmals nicht so "livable" ist in der Winter. Aber doch schön sind die "seasons". Mein Deutsch ist leider nicht so gut aber denke das Sie es verstehen können. Haben Sie gemerkt das in Schweden sagen wir Sie oder you und meine eigentlich Du? Das ist auch ein Unterschied. I had to mix some English since my german sometimes is not enough, can't find the words, but am trying to improve my german though. Have been to Germany a lot in Berlin, Hamburg, München and Stuttgart. Glaube Deutsch und Schwedish ist sehr verwandt. Hoffe das Du ein gutes Leben in Stockholm findest. Es ist meine Heimatstadt und ich liebe Stockholm. Grüss Gott als man in Stuttgart sagen. Oder in Hamburg sagen wir moin moin, das mag ich sehr :)
Wow, dein Deutsch ist wirklich sehr gut. Nicht einmal mein Partner kann so gut deutsch sprechen nach 10 Jahren hahaha Vielen Dank für deine Nachricht! Ich kenne Berlin und München sehr gut 😌Und Hamburg mag ich auch gerne!
@@LivingSwedish Danke schön! Dann muss du und dein Partner zu Hamburg gehen. Sehr schön und vieleicht ein bisschen anderes von die Städte in Deutschland. in der Nord, Elbe, See, grün, die Menshen, regen und Sonne. Ich mag Hamburg sehr. Und jetzt kann man vielleicht von Stockholm zu Hamburg bei Zug fahren? Und auch Berliin. Wäre wunderbar wenn wir in Europa bei Zug fahren könnte. Tja, in Nordeuropa meistens. Ich habe ein channel "The travelling Swede" hier in youtube aber kein einhalt jetzt. Da will ich viele videos von Reisen in Europa "post". When the videos are edited good enough in my opion I will post them. My speciality will be to present the videos with music connected to the places I visited. Also, Musik aus der Stadt kann etwas von der Stadt erzählen, hoffe ich. Glaube das Musik die Bilder kann "förhöja känslan".
People who says Swedes arent friendly are tuirists who nevr actually dealt with a Swede outside formalities and have 0 understanding of Swedish culture. We are generally *reserved,* that doesnt equat to "unfriendly". We are generally very friendly, eager to help and often go the extra mile. The thing is, you have to *ASK* for it. Personal space is a big thing and there is pretty much an unwritten rule that you dont poke your nose in someone elses space unless they ak you to. Helping people who didnt ask for it can also be seen as patronizing, as if you think they cant manage by themselves. Its not THAT common yet, but with the ever growing feminist movement it is becoming more and more common. A swede not engaging you in small talk conversation IS the Swedish way of being freindly, it means you rspect other people, their space and their privacy.. You absolutely can approach a Swede is you have a valid reason. Asking for directions, borrowing a lighter, etc. What many might not know or be unsure of is if this exception extnds to trying to make friends. It depends, if youre in your home town where you habe all your friends and entire family then no. If youre new in town, doesnt know _anyone_ and youre trying to build a new network of friend and aquaintances, then yes. Technically that falls under "helping out" which most Swedes love to do. Just be polite and respectful in case someone declines youre request for conversation and there wont be any problems. Obviously, take these pointers with a grain of salt. They are vast generalizations ment to give a somewhat decent understanding of the social climate and culture. They do not apply to EVERYONE or all the time.
Im so sorry but the first thing i tough when i hear that you are from germany was, fuck my life. Im sorry, i live in sweden and we have a lot af german visitors and they can’t speak english. I work at a “resturant” (i would more say maybe like a coffeshop or something) and to take the order from a person from german can be REALLY DIFFICULT. Im not the best at english and i will never be the best either but i manage my way through work but when the person that orders can’t english either....it’s kind of tough. I want to clarify that some people from germany is really good at english but if you come were i live, people talk bad about most german people because they are so hard to talk to sometimes when they order. I also want to clarify that people from germany is not the only people that suck at english (like i said, im not that good either). But i heard that thing about germans alot so that is always the first thing that come to mind. ANYWAYS, welcome to sweden and i hope that you will, like this summer, it’s hotter then usual so be safe, don’t look forward to winter if you like the summer,
Sorry you had bad experiences with Germans! It's true that not everyone speaks English. I assume you're mainly talking about German tourists. I wish you all the best!
I have just a technical comment for you, firstable, your voice is a little low, you need to be louder, maybe you need to put the microphone (if you use one) closer to you. Also, your face looks too bright, it's getting too white and needs to be adjusted by lowering the studio lamp level .. with regards.
Thanks for the feedback! I normally have a different set-up but most of my equipment is still on the way to Sweden. Hopefully, I can get back to better videos soon.
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Leave your comments and tips about Sweden below 🙏🏻
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OOOh you have lived elsewhere as well.
@@keepcreationprocess Yes! Germany, Austria, Singapore, UK and now Sweden 😊
@@LivingSwedish That makes I can learn from your approach - but i would be a newbie, I definately fail
I'm a Swede who has lived in Stockholm, London and Paris (as a kid). In London people are very polite and Swedes are certainly less polite, but I do think once you get past the surface Swedes are generally very friendly and helpful. If you ask for help in Sweden strangers are usually very helpful (something I have experienced in London as well - but less so in Paris).
I think all big cities have a different vibe on work days. There is much less friendliness when people are commuting and stressed about work, so if you want friendly behaviour on a Monday morning I'd suggest leaving the city.
If you need help with anything I live in a northern Stockholm suburb and would be happy to help if I can.
Thanks for sharing your experience! 🙏🏻
About the winters; in Sweden we say that there is no bad weather only bad clothes. Welcome to Sweden and I hope you will like it here.
I would absolutely agree with this! I'm looking forward to buying the right clothes for winter 😉
We have the same sayings in Germany
@@karinland8533 Norway and Iceland also have it and live by it.
The seasons, the autumn, winter, and sprig have all their own charms. But of course, the summer is the best.
I can so imagine 😊
I believe there are 2 categories of beggers in Stockholm. One are "Swedish" (I'll come back to them a bit later) and the other are those who migrated from Romania when it entered EU and migration restrictions were removed. I remember the year when the ban was lifted. The streets were literally flooded with people sleeping in them, under which ever bridge you passed there were tons of people there as well. There would be a beggar in front of every single store. If you'd sit in a cafe and observe them, you'd see that they have a "handler" who checks up on them, brings them some coffee etc... But I believe the authorities did something, now there are way less of them, you see them occasionally. You might also see them in public transport - they'll get into everyone's face to ask for some money.
Now coming back to "Swedish" beggers. These are usually people who lived all their lives in Sweden, but are homeless now. They are organized as well, but in a different way, "legal", I'd say. You might often see them in Östermalm, but also in other various high-traffic places. The key difference with them is that they will silently beg, they won't get into your face, they won't address passers by directly. They also sell a magazine that's published by their "union", buying that magazine is basically giving to their charity which takes care of them. These beggers will often have Swish so you can donate to them like that, unlike the other group which only takes cash. Also, you'll sometimes see these beggers in public transport, but unlike the first group which will go to each and everyone inside, these ones will will usually enter a train, loudly announce in clear Swedish that they are homeless and looking for charity, wait there for a second to see if they will get any, and move on without addressing / bothering any of the passengers directly.
BTW, I'm not a Swede, just someone who moved to Sweden (Stockholm) several years ago. And these are just my observations.
Oh, that is so interesting! Thanks so much for sharing your observations 🙏🏻
I am a Swede and I agree with your points. The EU migrants came maybe 10 years ago and in the beginning us Swedes had a hard time knowing how to handle them since we were not used to seeing people begging. I think as time passed on less people gave money to them (due to reports in media of organized begging and prolonged exposure). I think this is one of the mayor reasons for their decline in numbers. There are also some municipalities that made begging illegal at certain places but these places are exceptions rather than the rule.
From where I am begging is often looked down upon because there are programs to take care of social outcasts. Which we pay for through taxes. Giving money to beggars is basically beggars double dipping. Double dipping does not apply to foreign beggars unless they have managed to become swedish citizens. Swedes often want strangers to stay outside of their bubble of privacy and foreign beggars invade that bubble.
Selling a magazine is not begging. Those who sell "Situation Stockholm" are homeless. But to call them beggars is just not right.
@@beorlingo I never wrote that selling it was begging. I guess I could have written homeless/beggers or maybe even a longer chunk of text to write it properly, but my post was already quite long and I didn't want to complicate it even more. I meant no disrespect to either of the two groups when calling them that, I just used the same term as the OP to address them and focused my post on what I wanted to say
I think the tip about finding a common interrest is the right way to go. Something worthy of note in Sweden is that we have a strong traditin of forming clubs/associations (SV: Förening). These are often small (but could be large) local interrest groups that meet up regularly and practice their hobbys. This could be anything from sewing, tabletop gaming, various types of crafting, book clubs, exercise (of course), political interrestes, and anything between heaven and earth. If you have an interrest, I can almost guarantee there's a local club for that, and 100% guranteed withing the larger stockholm area.
Ah, what a great tip! I would love to join a club like this. I have a few things I like to do in my spare time including playing tennis and/or volleyball. I will do my research, thank you! 👌🏻
Don't be shocked to meet a lot of Swedes who will speak German with you, even fluently a lot of times.
Swedish school and education system implements two obligatory languages to be learned from young age. Also, from 7th grade you have to choose one of three additional languages to learn (If you do not wish to learn a new language, you will be put in a Eng/Swe class to hone your skills in the obligatory languages). But one of those 3 languages that you have to learn is; Spanish, French or German, lots of swedes opt for either Spanish or German. Spanish being for a frequent vacation hotspot for Swedes and also just a unique language that has a lot of different flavors around the world. And the second most picked language is German, for being most comfortable and easy to learn and it has similarities to Swedish language.
Ah, so interesting to hear that! Thanks for sharing! 🙏🏻
@@LivingSwedish I studied English from 3:rd grade.That means I studied English al least 10 years. Then
French 3 years and German 2 years in college. I am a normal typical swede in that sense
Like most countries and cultures, Sweden is certainly a taste that doesn't fit everyone. I'm Swedish and i've known a bunch of both Swedes and non Swedes over the years who express how boring and cold we are, who wishes that they lived in a warmer country with more open people. But for someone like me - who loves the difference in our seasons, who enjoys the cozy rainy autumns and the dark cold winters inside, who's pretty introvert, who like the closeness to water, forests and parks, who doesn't want to be bothered by strangers and speak to everyone (but i'm still friendly if someone speaks to me and helpful if needed), who have very few but extremely close friends and doesn't feel the need to make or have hundreds of shallow "friendships" - ...Sweden is simply perfect for me. At least in that sense. When it comes to politics, ideas, ideologies, movements, etc, then maybe not so much :). Then it's hard to have opinions that "goes against the grain" without being harshly judged.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It's true that Sweden might not be for everyone indeed. I'm pretty happy here so far 😁
@@LivingSwedish The culture of speaking and how close you can get to people varies. Generally, as a big generalization, one can say that the further north you get in Sweden the shorter sentences people use. And sometimes people up north are harder to get freinds with. That said when you get friends you are friends for long time.
I'm so very glad that you talked about the fact that many Swedes don't fit into the prejudices that so many reaction videos and the like talk about.
Of course, many can be reserved and cautious, but certainly not as described by many.
I myself have no problem talking to anyone anywhere about anything.
Most of the Swedes ... I'm Swedish myself .... I hang out with are the same.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Hallå. Jag pratar lite svenska. Jag älskar att titta på dina videor och leta efter information om Sverige. Tack!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️
You can speak more Swedish than me, well done 👏🏻👏🏻 Thanks for watching my videos, I really appreciate it 😊
Välkommen till Sverige! :D
Tack så mycket!
I feel being an attractive, well behaved female probably helps with getting positive interaction with swedes. That being said , swedes can be reserved but, like with all people, once you get to know them they are pretty great.
Probably similar to Germans to be honest 😂
Cannot wait to move there and start all over ❤
Regarding friendships, it vary a lot from person to person, but in general, you can get just friends that you may spend a couple of hours with once or twice a month, but no it's hard to find a friend for life that maintain the friendship forever. This is not only in Sweden, it's everywhere in this world!
I agree! It's everywhere similar.
I live in THE city of Norrköping.It is not a long drive from Stockholm.And i recomend a visit.Because we are friendly here 😊
That sounds great! I will put it on the list of places to visit in Sweden 😊
Welcome to Sweden!
Thank you very much! 😃
You are welcome to Sweden
Thank you so much! ❤️
Im a swede living in Germany. I think the word i have come to use the most when comparing sweden and germany is whether or not people are considerate of others. As ive learned germans arent necessarily mean, its just what you sound like you are because of the directness.
So that unspoken expectation, is that it is expected of you to be considerate towards others.
You can say what you want in nice ways and still be direct. I would like to know an exampel of this siutation to hear from other peopels perspectives. Cause im struggling and need help hehe.
Yeh, Germans can be very direct! And it's often not meant in a mean way. I'm not sure how I can help you, though 🤔Do you have an example?
Wow, your accent really is half-German half-British! Cooool.. Also, check out the north of the country. Tt's very beautiful.
Hahaha I don't even notice these things 🤪The North of Sweden is definitely on my list. What should I check out first? Thanks so much for watching my video!
@@LivingSwedish Even go to South of Sweden Malmö and Österlen area in Skåne is beatiful and The West Coast Göteborg, Varberg, Halmstad Bohuslän Smögen and Strömstad is beatiful places to visit.
You have mutch to explore good look! 😀🤝❤️🇸🇪
@@stefanpersson3865 Sounds amazing! Thanks for the tips! 😊
Jag kollar repriser 😂 Kul att se er/din första tid i Sverige igen.
It seems like such a long time ago 😅
I think it won't be the cold that will get you during winter, but the darkness... at least that is what I have heard. I live in the north of Sweden so here it is even worse. Around Christmas there will be around 1 hour of daylight, that's it. But then we have summer, like it is right now. Daylight 24/7... (which can get a bit annoying in its own way actually, I recommend thick curtains in the bedroom)
Yeh, it's going to be interesting to experience so much darkness. I was told to stock up in vitamin D ☀️ I'm not too bad with sleeping in daylight 😬
@@LivingSwedish I don't think Stockholm will be that much darker than London in the winter. In Stockholm you'll have at least a good 6 hours of daylight , from around 8-9 ⏰ in the morning until around 3 ⏰ in the afternoon.
And then it depends on what your work schedule looks like, and if you're able to go outside on your lunch break, just to catch some daylight. That actually helps a lot.
I work in the health care branch, and the most common thing is to have a so called " rolling schedule "
where we work different hours on different days. That makes it a lot easier to catch enough daylight to keep the winter tiredness at bay.
If you can influence your work schedule, or maybe work from home ( at least partially) it's easy to get outside for a little walk during the light hours. If you're stuck in an office with small windows 8-5⏰, Monday to Friday, your lunch break will be your "life saver " in the winter 😄
@@elainekarlsson8384 Ah, yes. I recall when I was around 9 years old and my family went to Stockholm to visit... it was summer and I got super surprised when it got DARK at nine in the evening (21:00 for us swedes). It really is a big difference from the north.
I’ll be arriving to Sweden 🇸🇪 on July 25 and I’ll be there again in November. I’m from California
How nice! You will love it here. What's the reason for moving to Sweden from California?
@@LivingSwedish I’m not moving yet, just visiting. However, I do plan on moving in a couple years to Sweden 🇸🇪
one tip if you move here. Get yourself BankID(Bank-ID). To live in Sweden that is a must. =)
@@byggs129 thanks
You should avoid going to restaurants and cafes in Stockholm, because these places are more expensive than if you search a little outside the city itself. And to avoid the popular streets among tourists, where it is more expensive. Stockholmers are the most difficult people in Sweden to get to know and if you get to know someone who lives in Stockholm, they are not born and raised in Stockholm. We who are from Northern Sweden prefer Gothenburg and those who live there, they are easier to get to know and make friends.
Thanks for all the tips! 🙏🏻😊
@@LivingSwedish As a person who moved to stockholm living in the very center of it. There are PLENTY PLENTY of good restaurants and cafes here, but I would recommend to stay clear of some places in "gamla stan".
Be prepared that everyone outside of Stockholm will talk down about Stockholm.. It is a whole thing. You will see. But to outsiders Stockholmers can seem self absorbed.
Happy midsummer🇸🇪
Glad Midsommar! ❤️
If you compare with London, I would say that Stockholm is cheaper. But it depends. Swedes are nice when the sun looks ahead, you can probably expect a little difference in November. Many beggars or street musicians take swich, but I sometimes withdraw money just for that purpose.
Thanks for the insights, Daniel! 🙏🏻
About the cash thing: no, not allot of people have cash on them these years and it’s usually older people who aren’t used to have cards and paying in a cashless system. Many stores, companies etc are starting to become less accepting to cash so I wouldn’t recommend relying on it. Ofc you could do whatever you want and have some spare cash on you. I would recommend getting a “mobile” Bank ID if you haven’t already which you have in your phone, sort of like Apple Pay. A must have app if you do get it is “Swish” which makes it possible to only pay using your phone. You can even easily send money to contacts and friends and it makes life much easier, especially in this cashless system :))))
Thanks a lot for the tips! 🙏🏻
Welcome to Sweden :)
Thank you very much! ❤️
Your top six videos are your Sweden videos, i guess you already noticed, but they are hits.
Yes, you noticed it, too 🤪
Hot weather like this is once a decade in Sweden, most summers are 16-20c and overcast.
I don't mind it being a little cooler 😂
The winters in Sweden is not vary cold in Skåne but in dalarna/sälen and high up in Sweden is vary vary cold.
When your a kid you can have a bank card 0-17years
Ah, that's cool to know that kids can have their own bank card. Thank you!
When I moved to London"?! (Describing the three weeks in Stockholm.) Freudian slip, right?!
Hahaha I knoooooooooowwww!!! I lived in London too long and it's still fresh in my mind. I didn't even notice it when I was editing the video 🤦🏻♀️
Note, there is a difference between being polite and being friendly.
Polite, I feel, is more impersonal while friendly is more from the heart. What do you think?
@@LivingSwedish You are not incorrect :-)
In Denmark you can, use MobilPay, e.g. when you buy their magasin, Hus Forbi, from a homeless.
Sweden must have something like it, paying via your phone.
Footnote: in Denmark the homeless has a "union". They make this monthly magasin, that they sell in the streets. They've got identity cards.
We've actually had issues with SouthEast Europeans robbing the sign (and the magasines) from our homeless at night. Easy pickings 😬
Thanks for sharing! And I can't believe someone would steal from the homeless 😳
Haha at 1:15 you say "when you moved to London", but I thought this was gonna be about Sweden?:)
Aaaahhhh, I know! Fresh in Sweden and my mind was still in London hahaha
@@LivingSwedish hahahah 😃
Julia - Thump thump thump goes my heart :)
😉
I learnt a long time ago that stereotypes are stupid. That weather generalisation can easily be for the British.
Ha absolutely! People say it rains in London all the time (it doesn't!!) ☔️🤪
Dear. We have german/french and English in school. So many of us can atleast communicate in a Third language. I am 2 languages away from being a polygloth but i can not decide on wich languages.
Great! The more languages the better :)
”looking forward to the colder season”. I bet you’ll regret saying that in a few months, haha!
Hahaha I will definitely report back!!
@@LivingSwedish well, if it was just the Cold weather I'd be just fine. It's the darkness that get's you.
@@beorlingo Yeh, so I heard.
the problem isn't even the cold but the slask. I hate slask.
@@n3m036 For me the cold doesn’t bother me as much as the darkness. That’s the worst part in my opinion.
Thank you..😊
My pleasure! Thanks so much for watching! 🥰
@@LivingSwedish really appreciate ..😍😊
Winter is coming! You can save money then 🥶
Hahaha Saving money?! Yes! I'm looking forward to winter 😉
How did you get citizenship? It's really not easy.
I don't have Swedish citizenship. You need to live here for several years in order to apply. I just moved 5 weeks ago 😉
Come to Skåne!😀🌞🙏🏖️
I heard it's beautiful 🤩
There is so many second Hand stores. For everything. That is how I save a lot of money 😉👍
Yes, I'm slowly discovering them. I was never big on second hand but I'm getting into it 😊
Since your native is language German i think it shouldn't be that difficult to learn some Swedish. Our language is a German one and has many similarities with yours.
That's great to hear! 😊
Sweden clean? Ok but Sweden was cleaner 20-25 years ago. At least when it comes to streets and parks, now you can see a lot of rubbish on the streets before, not at all.
Of course, Swedes may seem a little unfriendly, it's probably mostly because we are not so open and overwhelming in our reactions. However, we always mean what we say and our perception of things.
I've lived in London for the past 10 years so it always depends on what you can compare it to hahaha My first impression of Swedes are very positive. I've seen nothing but friendliness ❤️
Hi from dubai. Thanks 😊
Hello there! 🙋🏻♀️
I am Swedish , and Stockholm are not Sweden 😅, go to towns like Söderköping, Nora . Motala . Järvsö . That is Sweden 😉
Hahaha okay! I will check all of them out. Thanks for the recommendation! 🙏🏻
Swedish people will tell you what you have done wrong, if you ask honestly.
Asking will show that you are aware that something didn't happen as expected or wanted, and that you
want to know what/how for future reference. Not asking, or simply quietly waiting for someone to tell
you, will be seen as you not being interested in learning and/or cooperation and/or shared existence.
Which is, for me at least, something of a 'pet peeve'. And it doesn't matter if what went wrong did so
because of it being expected to be done in a stupid way. If so, then reply with a suggestion on how
it should be done better. However, telling someone to shove it, does not count as a suggestion for
improvement ;-)
Yeah, I can see that, makes sense to me!
I think the last time i withdrew money from an atm was like 5 years ago
Hahaha fair enough!
did u have all those books with you?
seems like you moving costs must have been thousands of pounds just for them :)
I sold all my books before moving to Sweden. Best decision ever! Now I have a Kindle ;)
Avoid downtown and the old town, more expensive. Södermalm is really good for finding cheaper places, bars ,resturantes...
Thanks for the tip! 👌🏻
They are given money by older men and women. The people who are most likely to give alms are pretty much always over the age of 50, and if you're over the age of 50, you probably use cash out of habit. This is something I've noticed working in elder care. Older ladies, particularily around age 60-70 pretty much always use cash, unless their kids have specifically taught them how to use card, and even then, sometimes they just hand over the card to the clerks whenver they need to buy things.
Interesting!! Thanks for sharing!
Its unusually warm this summer. You should be happy its not 2019... it barley made it over 20 the whole summer.
But its rather typical... some summers are really nice, some are really bad.. a few are avrage.
2018 was insane, summer temperature from april to oktober.
Generly winter is not that harsh in Stockholm. Due to the brackish water in barley drop under -5C. A bit inland it can easialy hit -20C
Speaking german is not thst uncommon. In 7th grade you get to chose a 3rd languh to learn. In my class 60% choice german. Of cause nowdays Spanish is more common. Also fransh is pretty common
In highschool you can typically chose a 4th. And If you really want to you can also chose a 5th
Yeah, it seems so hot here. I'm not used to this at all anymore 🥵(but I do like it, aka hanging out by a lake or the sea all the time)
@@LivingSwedish dont worry... with in three month tou complain about it being to cold ;)
if you live in sweden you might aswell ask .. What is cash ^^ money today here is just numbers on the internet. im 40 and I can't even recall the last time I did hold any cash in my hand, its all swish or credit cards nowdays and for me I love it I hate having to deal with coins and paper and wallets that you got to haul around. Nowdays its just cards that I got inside my phonecase on the side that I wana take with me everywhere I go anyway as its together with my phone.
Yes, I love it, too! It's the future 💪🏻
German used to be somewhat well understood, like my parent's generation. Gradually less so, I think. In my doughter's class, german was available but everyone chose spanish, lol.
Hahaha German doesn't seem very popular around the world. I don't understand why 😂
German was the most studied 3rd language in Swedish schools up until the 2000's, when it was overtaken by Spanish. Probably because it's seen as more useful, since Germans speak quite good English nowdays. Except for the grammar German is quite easy to learn for a native speaker, as there is tons of shared vocabulary.
Stockholm had a majority of German inhabitants up until the 1500's, and there was a law stating that maximum 50% of the city council could be Germans.
@@LivingSwedish I could pick between french and german in school... it was the grammar that scared me off from german and I picked french. Then I had to learn a bunch of french verbs in various tenses and bitterly regretted my choice. I don't speak a word of french today, and I had it for six years while in school. :/
@@evawettergren7492 Tbh school sucks a little with learning languages (other than English maybe, because you can use it more). I had Latin at school 😂...because I was also afraid of languages (I was terrible at English).
We dont use cash at all, havent had cash in my wallet for years. I almost feel annoyed if I for some reason need to withraw cash
It'll be interesting to see if I ever needed some cash. I haven't withdrawn anything since I'm here and I don't even know how to do it LOL
Every day I've spent in London has been sunny and often hot. How odd.
The weather is not too bad in London. Just never experienced a long, hot summer there. I can definitely not vouch for the hot days 😉
My experiance in London (really not lived there but vissted quite a few times) is thst spring hits really early and can be quite warm (compared to sweden) then it dont get any warmer, maybe even coler later in the summer.
In sweden spring is late but it get warmer and warmer and warmer every Day untill early august. Then its stable for two weeks. Then a week into september it starts to rain and it rains for 3 months
The beggars here are actually quite organized. I have seen people in really nice cars swing by and get the money from these beggars, one watching the car and one shaking down the beggars for what they got, on multiple occasions.
Often, the older generation have cash and are funding most of their income, however, the recycled plastic cans are quite valuable - and they will often beg people to take their bottles / cans to recycle so they can earn money that way. The number has actually gone down a bit now during the pandemic - just before the pandemic - it was basically one person placed per store and even places like hospitals, which is a bit tacky to be honest.
They will often switch from sitting begging to going out finding recycled bottles as well. Pre-pandemic it was also very common for beggars to walk up and down subways putting out pictures along an entire subway car of fake family problems and asking for money that way.
In general, Sweden has very relaxed laws, against anything of a criminal element, which has kind of attracted this kind of behaviour. There were some backlash when beggars starting to relieve themselves inside children daycares / playgrounds, but at least that has toned down now.
Oh wow, that sounds crazy!!
Winter is coming ;-)
Hahaha yes, it is! Let's see how my videos will be then 😉
I'd say winter usually starts around january in this part of the country, up north it might begin earlier like november-december
Once a swede comes to your home to hang, then you've levelled up to friendship😁 All other is just forced politeness
Hahaha okay! Need to invite them to my home so we can be friends 😋If they don't want to visit I know 😬
Hallo! Willkommen in Schweden! Bin neugierig wenn Sie ein video machen in sechs Monaten oder so, wann es sehr dunkel und kallt hier sein. Bin Schwedish und glaube es hier manschmals nicht so "livable" ist in der Winter. Aber doch schön sind die "seasons". Mein Deutsch ist leider nicht so gut aber denke das Sie es verstehen können. Haben Sie gemerkt das in Schweden sagen wir Sie oder you und meine eigentlich Du? Das ist auch ein Unterschied. I had to mix some English since my german sometimes is not enough, can't find the words, but am trying to improve my german though. Have been to Germany a lot in Berlin, Hamburg, München and Stuttgart. Glaube Deutsch und Schwedish ist sehr verwandt. Hoffe das Du ein gutes Leben in Stockholm findest. Es ist meine Heimatstadt und ich liebe Stockholm. Grüss Gott als man in Stuttgart sagen. Oder in Hamburg sagen wir moin moin, das mag ich sehr :)
Wow, dein Deutsch ist wirklich sehr gut. Nicht einmal mein Partner kann so gut deutsch sprechen nach 10 Jahren hahaha Vielen Dank für deine Nachricht! Ich kenne Berlin und München sehr gut 😌Und Hamburg mag ich auch gerne!
@@LivingSwedish Danke schön! Dann muss du und dein Partner zu Hamburg gehen. Sehr schön und vieleicht ein bisschen anderes von die Städte in Deutschland. in der Nord, Elbe, See, grün, die Menshen, regen und Sonne. Ich mag Hamburg sehr. Und jetzt kann man vielleicht von Stockholm zu Hamburg bei Zug fahren? Und auch Berliin. Wäre wunderbar wenn wir in Europa bei Zug fahren könnte. Tja, in Nordeuropa meistens. Ich habe ein channel "The travelling Swede" hier in youtube aber kein einhalt jetzt. Da will ich viele videos von Reisen in Europa "post". When the videos are edited good enough in my opion I will post them. My speciality will be to present the videos with music connected to the places I visited. Also, Musik aus der Stadt kann etwas von der Stadt erzählen, hoffe ich. Glaube das Musik die Bilder kann "förhöja känslan".
Hi Money Talks With A German Accent !
Never give money to beggars outside the shops / stores. They are set up by criminal networks.
Skål Tom.
Thanks for the advice! 🙏🏻
Many street musicians use Swish
👌🏻
Have a great stay/life here explore, have fun, Sweden is not that different from Germany after all even the language have similarities
Thank you! 🙏🏻I haven't lived in Germany for over a decade but it's definitely so much more familiar than, for example, coming from the US 😉
Both in the germanic language group, so is english.
People who says Swedes arent friendly are tuirists who nevr actually dealt with a Swede outside formalities and have 0 understanding of Swedish culture.
We are generally *reserved,* that doesnt equat to "unfriendly".
We are generally very friendly, eager to help and often go the extra mile.
The thing is, you have to *ASK* for it.
Personal space is a big thing and there is pretty much an unwritten rule that you dont poke your nose in someone elses space unless they ak you to.
Helping people who didnt ask for it can also be seen as patronizing, as if you think they cant manage by themselves.
Its not THAT common yet, but with the ever growing feminist movement it is becoming more and more common.
A swede not engaging you in small talk conversation IS the Swedish way of being freindly, it means you rspect other people, their space and their privacy..
You absolutely can approach a Swede is you have a valid reason.
Asking for directions, borrowing a lighter, etc.
What many might not know or be unsure of is if this exception extnds to trying to make friends.
It depends, if youre in your home town where you habe all your friends and entire family then no.
If youre new in town, doesnt know _anyone_ and youre trying to build a new network of friend and aquaintances, then yes.
Technically that falls under "helping out" which most Swedes love to do.
Just be polite and respectful in case someone declines youre request for conversation and there wont be any problems.
Obviously, take these pointers with a grain of salt.
They are vast generalizations ment to give a somewhat decent understanding of the social climate and culture.
They do not apply to EVERYONE or all the time.
Du kan lära dig Svenska!😀🙏💚
Jag kommer snart att lära mig svenska. 😊
Don't give money to the beggars if they're Romani. It might come off as racist, but if you read into it you'll know.
No, I'm familiar with it from other countries (and I don't have any cash anyway 🤪)
Im so sorry but the first thing i tough when i hear that you are from germany was, fuck my life.
Im sorry, i live in sweden and we have a lot af german visitors and they can’t speak english. I work at a “resturant” (i would more say maybe like a coffeshop or something) and to take the order from a person from german can be REALLY DIFFICULT.
Im not the best at english and i will never be the best either but i manage my way through work but when the person that orders can’t english either....it’s kind of tough.
I want to clarify that some people from germany is really good at english but if you come were i live, people talk bad about most german people because they are so hard to talk to sometimes when they order.
I also want to clarify that people from germany is not the only people that suck at english (like i said, im not that good either). But i heard that thing about germans alot so that is always the first thing that come to mind.
ANYWAYS, welcome to sweden and i hope that you will, like this summer, it’s hotter then usual so be safe, don’t look forward to winter if you like the summer,
Sorry you had bad experiences with Germans! It's true that not everyone speaks English. I assume you're mainly talking about German tourists. I wish you all the best!
🌟🕯🎄⭐🎅🌹🎈🙏
😊✨
Ordnung muss sein!
Hahaha no comment 😋
No, people don’t have cash.
Okay 😁
1:13 Moved to London.
OMG, I really didn't notice that LOL I haven't lived in Stockholm long enough, I still have London in my mind 😂😂😂😂
I have just a technical comment for you, firstable, your voice is a little low, you need to be louder, maybe you need to put the microphone (if you use one) closer to you. Also, your face looks too bright, it's getting too white and needs to be adjusted by lowering the studio lamp level .. with regards.
Thanks for the feedback! I normally have a different set-up but most of my equipment is still on the way to Sweden. Hopefully, I can get back to better videos soon.
Swedish people are nice but not friendly….
Hmmm... I find them nice and friendly. What's the big difference?
Did you notice ISLAM????
What's wrong with Islam?
Cash is for criminals.
🦹🏻♂️
ehh London isn't Sweden, you better make notes before film the vid, I have seen this in many vids, PREPARE BETTER
Not sure what you're referring to.