Min tågresa genom Sverige

My train journey through Sweden

Now I have learned Swedish for almost one year. At the beginning I understood only a few words, but now I can speak a little more. I have listened to Swedish podcasts, watched videos and read simple texts again and again.

One day I decide to test my knowledge for real. I am going to travel by train through Sweden. I start in Malmö and travel north toward Stockholm, Uppsala and finally Sundsvall.

I am nervous. During the trip I have to buy tickets, ask for directions and talk to people in cafes and hotels. What if I do not understand what they say?

When I start the trip, I notice that it goes better than I think. At the station, a woman asks if I know which track the train leaves from. I understand the question and answer. It feels like a small victory.

In Malmö I hear Scanian Swedish. In Stockholm people speak quickly. In Uppsala I meet an older man who speaks clearly. When I do not understand, I say: "Can you say that a little more slowly?"

After five days, I stand by the sea in Sundsvall. The wind is cold, but I feel strong. I think: "I can actually use Swedish."