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.
- Grattis på födelsedagen! This is the most common way to wish someone a happy birthday, literally translating to 'Congratulations on your birthday.'
- Grattis! For a less formal approach, you can simply say 'Grattis!' This directly translates to 'congratulations' in English.
- Ha den äran på födelsedagen! (or just Ha den äran!). This phrase is a more formal way to say happy birthday in Swedish. It's not as commonly heard as 'grattis' and means 'have the honor on your birthday!'
- Hjärtliga gratulationer/lyckönskningar. You'll often find this phrase on birthday cards. It translates to 'heartfelt congratulations.'
Each of these expressions offers a unique way to convey your birthday wishes in Swedish, adding a personal touch to your greetings.
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!
