Why do Swedish people speak such amazing English?
Today’s guest, Alastair Budge, joins us to answer this fascinating question.
Listen in to find out 3 core reasons Swedes speak English so well.
You’ll also learn 3 strategies to mirror that success.
Welcome back, Alastair!
Alastair is host of the popular podcast English Learning for Curious Minds.
He has been on the All Ears English podcast before.
Check out his tips about learning from a 2-year-old in episode 1798.
Alastair currently lives in Sweden with his family.
He has witnessed first-hand the impeccable English spoken by the Swedish people.
Today he shares why they have this linguistic success and what you can learn from it.
#1: Necessity
Sweden has only 10 million people, a smaller population than New York City.
With such a small population, Swedish speakers quickly realize that English is essential for participating in the global economy.
Alastair notes that in many situations, speaking English isn’t just helpful. It’s expected.
Whether it’s international business, travel, or higher education, English is the default.
Lesson: Adopt a global mindset.
See English not just as a school subject, but as your key to expanding your world.
From job opportunities to friendships and cultural experiences, English can expand your possibilities.
#2: Early and constant exposure
Swedes grow up surrounded by English.
It isn’t just in classrooms, but in everyday media.
Most TV shows, movies, and online content are not dubbed into Swedish.
This means children and adults alike are exposed to natural spoken English from a young age.
If you binge a Netflix series in English, that’s 5–10 hours of immersion.
If you watch it dubbed, that’s zero immersion.
Alastair contrasts this with countries like Italy or France, where dubbing is the norm.
In these countries, a linguistic bubble is created.
Lesson: Make English a part of your daily life.
Watch shows in English, with subtitles if needed.
Listen to English podcasts, read the news, and follow creators in English.
The more natural input you get, the faster your skills will grow.
#3: Investment in education
Sweden invests heavily in education.
It spends 7.2% of GDP on it, which is much higher than most countries.
English is a serious part of school curriculum.
More importantly, the focus is practical, not just academic.
Lessons are geared toward real-world communication, not just memorizing grammar rules.
For Sweden, language learning isn’t just vocabulary drills.
Instead, it’s about using English to get ahead in life.
Lesson: Treat your English learning as an investment.
Rather than in money, this investment is in time, effort, and purpose.
Don’t rely on quick hacks.
Instead, aim for consistent, meaningful practice that prepares you for real interactions.
The power of confidence
One of Alastair’s final points may be the most powerful.
“Swedes aren’t afraid to try. They’re not embarrassed if they make mistakes.”
This confidence is a willingness to speak up even if it’s not perfect.
It helps learners improve faster and connect more.
Many learners around the world hesitate for fear of sounding “wrong.”
Swedes just go for it.
Takeaway
Alastair’s advice is to adopt the confidence of a Swede.
Don’t wait until your English is perfect.
Start using it now.
People will appreciate your effort more than they’ll notice your mistakes.
Alastair’s bio
Alastair Budge is the host of English Learning for Curious Minds, a podcast for intermediate to advanced English learners which aims to “teach you weird and wonderful things at the same time as improving your English”. He is originally from England, but currently lives in Sweden with his wife and two young kids.
Whose English have you been impressed by?
Tell us in the comments!
