How to Say Happy Birthday in Swedish
Greeting someone in their native language is a wonderful way to make them feel welcome and appreciated. Whether you’re living in Sweden or visiting Sweden, knowing how to say Happy Birthday in Swedish is a thoughtful gesture. While Swedish might initially seem daunting, you’ll find that just a few simple words and phrases are enough to begin conversing like a local.
How to say Happy Birthday in Swedish
Celebrating a birthday is always a special occasion, and it becomes even more meaningful when you extend your wishes in the birthday person’s native language. Wishing someone a happy birthday in Swedish is straightforward and delightful!
In Swedish, the way you say “Happy Birthday” can vary based on your relationship with the person.
Each of these expressions offers a unique way to convey your birthday wishes in Swedish, adding a personal touch to your greetings.
Want to learn Swedish?
Join me on iTalki! It’s helped me improve and gain confidence in my language skills. Start your learning adventure today!
Swedish birthday song (Ja, må han leva)
The Swedish birthday song, known as Födelsedagsvalsen, is a cherished tradition in Sweden. Everyone at the party joins in the singing, often including a verse with the birthday person’s name.
The birthday boy or girl usually sings a verse too. While customs vary across regions, it’s typically expected to sing the entire song before opening any presents.
I was initially surprised by the English translation of this song – it wasn’t the typical birthday tune I expected. However, its uniqueness adds to its charm.
Over time, the Swedish birthday melody has grown on me, becoming a tune I associate with happy celebrations.
“Ja, må han leva” means “Yes, may he live.” For a birthday girl, you switch “han” to “hon.”
At children’s parties, only the first part of the song is usually sung. The second part, often considered a bit morbid, is typically omitted. But this, as a Swedish friend explained, is just an example of Swedish humor!
The song concludes with:
“Ett fyrfaldigt leve för [name of the birthday person]… HURRA! HURRA! HURRA! HURRA!”
The lyrics of the song, which is essentially singing Happy Birthday in Swedish, go as follows:
Happy Birthday in Swedish (and its translation)
Ja, må han leva!
Ja, må han leva!
Ja, må han leva uti hundrade år!
Javisst ska han leva!
Javisst ska han leva!
Javisst ska han leva uti hundrade år!
Och när han har levat
Och när han har levat
Och när han har levat uti hundrade år!
Ja, då ska han skjutas
Ja, då ska han skjutas
Ja, då ska han skjutas på en skottkärra frame!
Swedish Happy Birthday Song translation
Yes, may he live!
Yes, may he live!
Yes, may he live for a hundred years!
Of course, he shall live!
Of course, he shall live!
Of course, he shall live for a hundred years!
And when he has lived
And when he has lived
And when he has lived for a hundred years!
Well, then he shall be wheeled
Well, then he shall be wheeled
Well, then he shall be wheeled forth on a wheelbarrow!
Learn the Swedish Birthday Song
Check out this video from Slow Swedish with Katrin Berndt.
Swedish birthday traditions
Coming from the Philippines, I’ve always been fascinated by how different cultures celebrate birthdays. In the Philippines, the birthday celebrant typically takes on the role of host, providing food and drinks for a gathering at home or another venue.
In contrast, Swedish birthday traditions have their own unique charm. On their special day, it’s common for the celebrant to receive small gifts from family and friends.
A highlight of Swedish birthdays is the traditional cake, known as “prinsesstårta” or Princess Cake. This treat features layers of light sponge cake, layered with jam and cream, and is covered in a layer of marzipan. It’s often beautifully decorated with sugar pink roses, making the prinsesstårta a beloved and iconic birthday cake in Sweden.
Following the cake-cutting and candle-blowing, the celebration usually includes fun party games. During summer, ‘kubb,’ a traditional Swedish outdoor game, is a popular choice.
To cap off the day, a dessert buffet featuring a variety of Swedish sweets such as buns filled with custard cream and berries is often served, bringing everyone together for a sweet end to the festivities.
And, of course, no Swedish birthday is complete without singing Happy Birthday in Swedish.
Kubb, a traditional Swedish outdoor game
Kubb is a traditional Swedish lawn game where players throw wooden batons to knock over wooden blocks. The game is a favorite at outdoor gatherings and social events in Sweden.
FAQs About Celebrating Birthdays in Sweden
How do you say Happy Birthday in Swedish?
You can say “Grattis på födelsedagen” which also translates to “Happy birthday”. Its literal translation is “Congratulations on your birthday”.
How do you say cheers in Sweden?
In Sweden, the phrase used to say cheers is “Skål!”
Do Swedes give birthday gifts?
Yes! In Sweden, it is common to sing the Swedish Happy Birthday song as well as give the celebrant a bouquet and cards from family and friends. Consider unique experiences from Greatdays or Live It, or personalize a gift with Smartphoto. These are thoughtful ways to celebrate.
I understand that one of the challenges of living abroad in Sweden is making Swedish friends. I hope this post helped you understand more about Swedish traditions. Who knows, maybe next time you can join in when your friends sing Happy Birthday in Swedish?
Want to know more phrases and words in Swedish? Regardless of whether you just recently moved to Sweden or just planning to visit, learning the common Swedish phrases and words can help you enjoy your stay in Sweden!
