Swedish Classes

Example of Levels

"Basically a Beginner" Level

This class is aimed at folks with zero to little (pyttelite) previous Swedish. Maybe you've tried some DuoLingo, but you're ready for more. We'll start with a review of the basics, then move forward to brief dialogues, "unpacking" some pronunciation and grammar mysteries. We will work on things like:

simple words and phrases
talking about yourself
asking simple questions and understand answers
basic grammar
essential pronunciation
talking and writing about simple subjects (typical day, family, likes/dislikes, etc)
and, of course, some Swedish culture

"Know-a-little" Level

This class is aimed at folks who have studied a little Swedish in the past, and are a bit beyond the very basics. Focus will be on oral communication, pronunciation, conversational skills, and developing vocabulary (with some grammar integrated, of course). This will likely be a mixed-level group, but one thing we all have in common is our love for Swedish. We will work on things like:

understanding descriptive texts
going shopping
describing people and things
planning a trip
talking about what you have done or experienced
reading and discussing "lättläst" texts and/or Swedish news

Reading Groups

The book club is suited for high-beginners to mid-intermediate level (A2 to B2 level) students, although advanced students might enjoy it too. We will read a "lättläst" novel out loud. In addition to just enjoying a good story together, we increase reading comprehension, learn new vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and look at key grammatical features. Students will need to download the "lättläst" e-book prior to start of class, email instructor for help.

Reviews

Read what previous students have said about my Swedish classes...

Classes are always fun and engaging!

Thank you for everything!!! You are truly one of the best (if not the best) instructor I’ve had at UW. Your energy and love for the subject helps students learn so much.

Everyday I learned something new.

Everyday Kim challenged us which I think is really important when learning a language.

This class was a highlight of my 2020 pandemic year. I appreciate that I was challenged and that Kim was encouraging as we navigated language acquisition in a virtual setting!

I think the variety in types of class lessons from lectures to group work to talking with Swedes was really helpful.

I appreciated the varied learning activities, from making videos, to reading books, to writing, to speaking with native speaker!

I felt comfortable making mistakes, which was really helpful. I tried my best, of course, but it was understood that I wasn’t going to do everything perfectly and that was okay!

Kim really cares for us- keep that compassion! We notice and appreciate it.

This language course uses multiple methods for teaching/understanding Swedish. We listen, write, speak, watch media relevant to current events in Sweden, work in groups, and have the opportunity to do Nordic-related community events in Seattle. This dynamic combination of events, opportunities, written, oral and group work ensures that all students have at least one channel through which to deeply absorb the material. It is highly interactive.

My Swedish has made massive improvements and i’ve learned more about language as a whole.

The greatest asset to the class, in my opinion, was the instructor herself. She is very welcoming and actively helpful, and she makes it fun.