Glossary — key Swedish words
Last updated: 10 August 2026
These are some of the tricky but good-to-know words from “Sverige i fokus” — the material the citizenship test is based on. Each word is kept in Swedish (that is how you will meet it on test day) with a short, plain-language explanation.
Independent study app — not affiliated with Migrationsverket, UHR or any government authority.
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Allemansrätten
The right of public access — you may walk, cycle, camp and pick berries and mushrooms in nature, even on private land, as long as you don't disturb or destroy. Unique to the Nordic countries.
Good to know: it comes with responsibility — leave no trace and keep your distance from homes. -
Yttrandefrihet
Freedom of expression — the right to express your thoughts and opinions in speech, writing and images. Protected by one of Sweden's fundamental laws.
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Grundlag
A fundamental (constitutional) law that stands above all other laws. Sweden has four; together they protect democracy and people's rights.
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Jämställdhet
Gender equality — women and men have the same rights, opportunities and responsibilities. A core value in Swedish society.
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Rättsstat
The rule of law — everyone, including those in power, must follow the same laws, and the courts are independent.
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Riksdag
Sweden's elected parliament, with 349 members. It makes the laws and decides on the state budget.
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Välfärdsstat
The welfare state — society uses taxes to pay for schooling, healthcare and social security, so everyone is covered.
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Ombudsman
An official who protects people's rights and reviews complaints — e.g. the Equality Ombudsman (DO). A Swedish word now used around the world.
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Sekulär stat
A secular state — religion and the state are separate, and the state is neutral in matters of faith.
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Folkbokföring
Population registration — the official record of where you live in Sweden. It affects your taxes, your access to services and many of your rights.
More key words
- demokrati Unlock in the app
- rösträtt Unlock in the app
- medborgarskap Unlock in the app
- myndighet Unlock in the app
- kommun Unlock in the app
- region Unlock in the app
- fackförbund Unlock in the app
- kollektivavtal Unlock in the app
- a-kassa Unlock in the app
- skatt Unlock in the app
- mänskliga rättigheter Unlock in the app
- diskriminering Unlock in the app
- barnkonventionen Unlock in the app
- källkritik Unlock in the app
- tryckfrihet Unlock in the app
- EU Unlock in the app
- FN Unlock in the app
- midsommar Unlock in the app
Get the app to unlock every explanation and train with flashcards.
A taste — the full experience is in the app
Just a tasteThese 10 are a taste of the key words. In the app you build your own word list: save any word from all 13 chapters and train with smart flashcards that bring each word back right before you'd forget it.
This glossary is written and maintained by the Citizen Sverige team — about us.