What you will learn
You can see from the spelling when r joins the sound after it, and when ng is one sound. This page is for reading and listening. It has no questions until checked audio exists.
R joins the next sound
In much of Sweden, r before t, d, n, s or l joins that sound into one. The tip of the tongue curls back a little, and you do not hear a separate r.
| Spelling | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| rt | kort, svart, tårta | short, black, cake |
| rd | bord, ord, fjärde | table, word, fourth |
| rn | barn, gärna, hörn | child, gladly, corner |
| rs | först, kurs, mars | first, course, March |
| rl | förlåt, förlora | sorry, to lose a game |
Rs sounds much like the sh in English she, so kurs and mars end with that sound. Names work the same way, so Marta has the joined rt. It also happens between two words, as in har du and är du.
In the south of Sweden, r is often said at the back of the mouth, and these pairs keep two sounds. Both ways are standard Swedish.
Ng is one sound
Ng is one sound, like the ng in English sing. You do not hear a separate g.
| Example | English |
|---|---|
| sjunga, säng, tidning | to sing, bed, newspaper |
| lång, ung, pengar | tall, young, money |
| ingen, många, länge | no one, many, for a long time |
Good to know
When you read a new word, look for r before t, d, n, s or l, and for ng. The spelling tells you where these sounds are, even before you hear the word. Listen to the recording of this page when it is ready.