Öva svenska - learning Swedish for children and teenagers

The Öva svenska series has been developed for children and teenagers who are just beginning to learn Swedish. It is particularly well suited to newly arrived students in Sweden, learners attending preparatory classes and those studying Swedish as a second language.

The series consists of two parts: Öva svenska 1 and Öva svenska 2. The second book is a direct continuation of the first, but the progression between the two parts is gradual, without a sudden increase in difficulty. This gives learners plenty of time to consolidate previously learned words, phrases and basic language structures.

Textbook and workbook in one book

Each part of Öva svenska combines the functions of a textbook and workbook. Learners write their answers directly in the book, which makes it easier to focus on the exercises and work systematically.

The material begins with the alphabet and then develops language skills through exercises focusing on words and simple phrases. Basic grammar is presented in a practical way without extensive theoretical explanations. Numerous detailed illustrations help learners understand the meaning of new words and connect them with specific situations.

Öva svenska 1 - first steps in Swedish

Öva svenska 1 is designed for learners starting Swedish from scratch. The book contains 14 chapters. Learning begins with the Swedish alphabet, while the following chapters cover simple everyday topics such as family, school, food, numbers, seasons and weather.

The first part helps learners gradually build basic vocabulary and become familiar with Swedish spelling and simple sentence structures. It is a good choice for a child or teenager who has never studied Swedish before or knows only a few individual words and phrases.

Öva svenska 2 - continuing your studies

Öva svenska 2 begins where the first part ends. Learners continue expanding their vocabulary, consolidate previously learned structures and complete further language exercises.

The progression between the two books remains gradual. This is particularly useful for learners who need more revision and a slower pace when new topics are introduced.

Who is the Öva svenska series for?

The series may be suitable for:

• children and teenagers beginning to learn Swedish;
• newly arrived students in Sweden;
• learners studying Swedish as a second language;
• students in preparatory classes;
• children and teenagers who need a steady pace and plenty of revision;
• learners working independently, with a parent, teacher or tutor.

The publisher primarily recommends the series for grades 4-6 and 7-9, preparatory classes and the språkintroduktion programme. It is therefore not a typical series for preschool children or a picture book for very young learners.

Steady progression and plenty of revision

One of the key features of Öva svenska is the gradual pace at which new material is introduced. New words and structures appear step by step, and learners have many opportunities to practise them again.

This approach can be particularly helpful for young learners who are adapting to life and education in a new language environment at the same time. The clear structure of the books also makes them suitable for groups in which students join the class at different times. The publisher notes that the material has been developed with classes whose composition may change frequently in mind.

Audio materials and additional exercises

Free digital materials are available for both parts of the series on the Natur & Kultur publisher platform. Separate student resources are available for Öva svenska 1 and Öva svenska 2.

The recordings allow learners to practise listening comprehension and become familiar with the sound of Swedish. Information about account requirements and access should also be checked directly on the individual product pages.

Which part should you choose?

If the learner is just beginning to study Swedish, Öva svenska 1 is the right choice. The book starts with the alphabet and basic vocabulary.

Öva svenska 2 should be chosen after completing the first part or when the learner already knows basic words, simple phrases and the easiest Swedish language structures.

If you are unsure which level to choose, compare sample pages from both books and check whether the learner can complete most of the exercises in the first part independently.