How to say happy birthday in Swedish
Grattis på födelsedagen
Say it like this: grah-TEES poh FUR-del-seh-DAH-gen
To say happy birthday in Swedish, you say "Grattis på födelsedagen". It is the phrase everyone in Sweden uses, and Swedish speakers in Finland use it too. Here is how to say it, other easy ways to wish someone well, and the song Swedes sing.
"Grattis" is a short form of "gratulerar", which means congratulations. "På födelsedagen" means "on your birthday". So it means "congratulations on your birthday".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Swedish
- Grattis!Say it like this: grah-TEESThe short, everyday version. Perfect for friends, family and text messages.
- Stort grattis!Say it like this: stoort grah-TEESMeans "big congratulations!". A warmer way to say it.
- Har den äran!Say it like this: hahr den AIR-anMeans "have the honour". An old but much loved birthday greeting, often said to older people.
- Hipp hipp hurra!Say it like this: hip hip hoo-RAHA cheer, often shouted after the birthday song.
- Ha en underbar dag!Say it like this: hah en UN-der-bar DAHGMeans "have a wonderful day!". A nice extra line in a card or message.
- Grattis i efterskott!Say it like this: grah-TEES ee EF-ter-skotMeans "belated congratulations". Use it if you have missed the day.
The Happy Birthday song in Swedish
Ja, må hon leva!
Ja, må hon leva!
Ja, må hon leva uti hundrade år!
Swedes do not usually sing the Happy Birthday tune. They sing "Ja, må hon leva", a traditional song with its own tune, meaning "Yes, may she live for a hundred years". The second half repeats with "Javisst ska hon leva", which means "Yes, of course she shall live". For a man, sing "han" instead of "hon". It often ends with four cheers of "Hurra!".
Birthday customs
- In Sweden, families often wake the birthday person in the morning by singing, and bring them breakfast in bed with a small gift.
- Most days in the Swedish calendar have names linked to them, so many Swedes also celebrate their name day ("namnsdag").
- In Sweden, round birthdays, such as 50 or 60, are often marked with a big party for family and friends.
A quick tip
The Swedish "ö" in "födelsedagen" sounds a bit like the "ur" in "fur". If you cannot manage the long phrase, just say "Grattis!" with a big smile. It is what most Swedes say anyway.
Questions people ask
What is the most common way to say happy birthday in Swedish?
Just "Grattis!" or "Grattis på födelsedagen!". Both are used all the time.
Do Swedes sing Happy Birthday?
Mostly they sing "Ja, må hon leva" (or "han" for a man). The English song is sometimes sung too.
What do you say back?
Say "Tack!" (tahk), which means thank you. To be extra warm, say "Tack så mycket!".
Wish someone happy birthday in Swedish
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Swedish: a gift box to open, confetti, their name in gold and the birthday song. Then send it by WhatsApp, text or email. It is free.