How Swedish and Norwegian Translators Can Help the Individual and the Community

There are different reasons why people need translation services. It might be necessary to translate a book of fiction or a brochure into a different language. Sometimes, entire advertising campaigns need to be translated. And sometimes, tourists need a number of short phrases that will help them get around to be translated. Often, scientific theses need to be translated so that people all over the world can have the benefits of scientific developments. So translation can be used for small things as well as big ones. It can help the individual as well as the community. Here are some interesting words which Swedish or Norwegian Translators can translate for the individual:

Tretar: This is a great Swedish word which tourists could benefit from knowing. “Tar” means cup and “patar” means refill. So a “tretar” refers to the third time the cup is filled or a “threefill.” The next time you’re in a Swedish café, you can show off your knowledge of the Swedish language by asking for a “tretar.”

Palegg: This is a Norwegian term which denotes any type of spread for a slice of bread. It could refer to jam, marmalade, butter, chutney etc. So the next time you’re in a café in Norway, you could consider asking your waitress how many types of “palegg” they have.

The above terms might help you to get around as a tourist in a new country but if you really want to understand a community because you’re planning to start a business there, you’ll have to learn to do more than ask for directions and order food. Here are a few terms that are embedded in the culture of a place; they’ll help you understand the people you’re mingling with:

Lagom: This is a Swedish word referring to moderation. The Swedish believe that each person should take their own share which is not too much and not too little. This applies to everything in life, from clothing to the place where you live. So if you’re planning to sell anything in Sweden, you might want to make sure that it fits in with the idea of moderation or “lagom.”

Forelsket: This is a Norwegian term which indicates the feeling of falling in love as opposed to being in love. It refers to that initial feeling of euphoria, when you begin to have feelings for someone. In English, we might refer to it as the “honeymoon stage.” This goes to show the complexity of Norwegian culture which separates emotions which are closely related yet distinct.

At our translation company, we’re here to help you fulfill all of your translation needs. Whether you just need a book of common phrases for the country you’re visiting or you require more in-depth knowledge of a culture for your business needs, contact us.