Birthday Wishes in Swedish

Published: 9 Sep 2025

Birthdays are special occasions celebrated worldwide. If you want to wish someone a happy birthday in Swedish, knowing the right phrases helps. Swedish birthday greetings range from simple to elaborate. This guide covers common phrases, cultural traditions, and pronunciation tips.

Common Swedish Birthday Wishes

The most common way to say “Happy Birthday” in Swedish is “Grattis på födelsedagen.” It directly translates to “Congratulations on your birthday.” A shorter version is “Grattis!” which simply means “Congratulations!” Another casual phrase is “Ha en underbar födelsedag!” meaning “Have a wonderful birthday!”

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Common Swedish Birthday Wishes
Conclusion

Formal Birthday Wishes

If you want to be more polite, use “Jag önskar dig en fantastisk födelsedag.” It means “I wish you a fantastic birthday.” For a heartfelt message, say “Hoppas du får en underbar dag fylld med glädje och skratt.” It means “Hope you have a wonderful day filled with joy and laughter.” In professional settings, “Varma lyckönskningar på din födelsedag” is appropriate. It translates to “Warm congratulations on your birthday.”

Informal Birthday Wishes

With close friends or family, you can say “Ha en toppenfödelsedag!” meaning “Have an awesome birthday!” Another friendly phrase is “Hoppas du har en superbra dag!” meaning “Hope you have a super great day!” If you want to be playful, say “Grattis, gamla man/kvinna!” meaning “Congrats, old man/woman!”

Singing “Happy Birthday” in Swedish

Swedes sing “Ja, må han/hon leva” instead of “Happy Birthday to You.” The lyrics translate to “May he/she live for a hundred years.” It is sung in a joyful tone, often followed by “Hurra, hurra, hurra!”

Writing Birthday Cards in Swedish

If writing a card, start with “Kära [name],” meaning “Dear [name].” Include “Jag hoppas du får en fantastisk födelsedag!” which means “I hope you have a fantastic birthday!” End with “Med kärlek, [your name],” meaning “With love, [your name].”

Birthday Traditions in Sweden

Swedes celebrate birthdays with cake, gifts, and songs. Children often receive “prinsesstårta,” a traditional Swedish birthday cake. Adults celebrate with friends, family, and special dinners.

How to Pronounce Swedish Birthday Wishes

“Grattis på födelsedagen” is pronounced as “GRAH-teece poh FUR-dels-da-gen.” “Ha en underbar födelsedag” sounds like “Ha en OON-der-bar FUR-dels-da.” “Ja, må han/hon leva” is pronounced “Ya moh han/hon LAY-va.”

Swedish Birthday Gift-Giving Customs

Swedes appreciate thoughtful gifts rather than expensive ones. Flowers, chocolates, or a handwritten card are common choices. Gifts are opened immediately upon receiving them.

Conclusion

Knowing Swedish birthday phrases adds a personal touch to celebrations. Whether formal or informal, the right words make a difference. Use these phrases to impress Swedish friends and family on their birthdays.