8 Things Not to Do in Sweden

1. Don't Assume All Swedes Speak English

English might be a universal language, but don’t expect to hear it in most parts of Europe. In fact, you can only be guaranteed to hear English in the UK, but it is certainly not the predominant language in Sweden. This is not to say that Swedes cannot speak English, but keep in mind that this is not their first language.

2. Don't Use Highly Animated Body Language

This is the quickest way to irritate the locals, and you can expect to be gently reprimanded if your voice carries over to the next table. When you see a Swede unconsciously turning their body away from you, or shade their eyes as if they are blocking out the sun, take this as your cue; it’s you they’re trying to ward off.

3. Don't Mention the Finnish Ice Hockey Team

When you are in Sweden, you support the Swedish Hockey team. End of story. This is the safest option, unless you want to start an argument. Don’t mention any other hockey teams. For the time being, you are a Swedish hockey patriot! The Swedes and the Finns have a long and complex history, so anyone not from Sweden or Finland had best leave it at that.

4. Don't Educate the Swedes

This can come across as extremely arrogant, whether you mean to or not. Don’t assume that because Sweden is a neutral entity, Swedes are uninformed about the political complexities that go on in other countries. You will actually find the Swedes read a lot and take their education pretty seriously even from a young age. This is not to say that you cannot indulge them with interesting snippets about your homeland, but don't be confrontational or look like a foreign know-it-all.

5. Don't Talk Down the Vasa Ship

The medieval Vasa ship in Stockholm is a matter of national and historic pride. As far as Swedes (and now you, too) are concerned, it is the greatest engineering feat of mankind. Or at least, medieval-kind.

6. Don't Feel Pressured by Silence

Swedes are direct communicators and every word is calculated to carry a meaning across. You will hardly ever overhear conversations that are filled with social pleasantries and small talk, so don’t rush to fill the gap simply because you are used to keeping up constant chatter back home.

7. Don't Get Decaf

Learn to enjoy coffee in Sweden - do not ask for a decaf substitute, it's awful and not always available. Coffee and cinnamon buns might as well be the society glue, giving people a reason to get together and be social especially in Stockholm.

8. Don't Ignore Personal Space

The Swedes love their personal space. They are not touchy-feely by nature. In fact, don’t even stand too close at the cash register in a shop. Don’t sit next to someone on a bus if there is an open seat just for you elsewhere.

#Facts