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Swedish for Expats · Lesson 7 of 10

Swedish at the Doctor — Health & Symptoms

Describe how you feel, book a vårdcentral appointment, and understand what the doctor tells you.

Expat in Sweden  ·  12 min read
📚 Swedish for Expats — Course Progress
Lesson 7 of 10  ·  70% done — the finish line is in sight!
👋 From my experience: Swedish healthcare is excellent but the system is different from many countries. You go to a vårdcentral (health centre) first, not a hospital. Most doctors speak English, but receptionists may not — and the phone booking system is entirely in Swedish. This lesson is one of the most practical in the whole course.

Time to complete: 12–15 minutes  ·  Words learned: Body parts + 15 health phrases

Parts of the Body

🗣️
Huvud
Head
👁️
Öga
Eye
👂
Öra
Ear
👃
Näsa
Nose
😮
Mun
Mouth
🦷
Tand
Tooth
🤧
Hals
Throat
🫁
Rygg
Back
🫀
Mage
Stomach
💪
Arm
Arm
🦵
Ben
Leg
🦶
Fot
Foot
💡 Note: Ben means both "leg" and "bone" in Swedish depending on context. In a medical setting it usually means leg. The word for bone specifically is also ben — context makes it clear.

Describing Symptoms

SwedishEnglish
Jag mår inte bra.I don't feel well.
Jag har ont i huvudet.I have a headache.
Jag har ont i halsen.I have a sore throat.
Jag har ont i magen.I have a stomach ache.
Jag har feber.I have a fever.
Jag är förkyld.I have a cold.
Jag är trött.I am tired.
Jag har hosta.I have a cough.
Det gör ont här.It hurts here.
Sedan [number] dagar.For [number] days.
💡 Key pattern: "Jag har ont i [body part]" = I have pain in [body part]. This pattern works for almost any body pain. Learn the body parts above and you can describe almost any symptom.

Healthcare System Words

SwedishEnglish
VårdcentralHealth centre (go here first, not hospital)
Läkare / DoktorDoctor
SjuksköterskaNurse
ApotekPharmacy
ReceptPrescription
Tid / TidsbokningAppointment / Booking
AkutenEmergency room
1177Swedish healthcare helpline (24/7, often in English)
🌟 Expat essential: Call 1177 any time you are unsure if you need a doctor. Nurses give free medical advice. Many speak English. It is one of Sweden's best services and most expats don't know about it.

At the Vårdcentral — A Conversation

Lahiru: Hej, jag skulle vilja boka en tid hos en läkare.
Hello, I would like to book an appointment with a doctor.
Receptionist: Vad gäller det?
What is it regarding?
Lahiru: Jag mår inte bra. Jag har ont i halsen och feber sedan tre dagar.
I don't feel well. I have had a sore throat and fever for three days.
Receptionist: Vi har en ledig tid på torsdag klockan tio. Passar det?
We have a free slot on Thursday at ten o'clock. Does that work?
Lahiru: Ja, det passar bra. Tack!
Yes, that works fine. Thank you!
New words: boka = to book · ledig tid = free slot · passar det = does that work? · det passar bra = that works well

✏️ Quick Practice

1. How do you say "I have a headache"?
Your answer...Jag har ont i huvudet.
2. What is a "vårdcentral"?
Your answer...A health centre — the first place you go in Sweden for medical care, not the hospital.
3. How do you say "I have a cold"?
Your answer...Jag är förkyld.
4. What number do you call for free healthcare advice in Sweden?
Your answer...1177 — available 24/7, often in English too.

Your Challenge This Week

🎯 Try this: Register at your nearest vårdcentral if you haven't already — it's free and straightforward. While you're there, practice saying your address and personal details in Swedish. It's also a great way to use Lessons 1 through 4 in a real setting.

Coming Up — Lesson 8: At Work & in Meetings

Go to Lesson 8 →