How to Say “Merry Christmas” in Swedish
In Sweden, the phrase “God jul” (pronounced roughly “gohd yool”) is how people wish each other Merry Christmas. It’s short, simple, and filled with warmth — just like the Swedish holiday season itself. Swedes use it in cards, greetings, and even casual conversations throughout December. Whether you’re writing to a Swedish friend or just curious about Scandinavian traditions, learning to say “God jul” is a perfect way to share a little Christmas spirit the Swedish way.
What Does “God jul” Mean?
The Swedish phrase “God jul” literally means “Good Christmas,” but it’s used exactly like “Merry Christmas in English.” You can say it to friends, family, coworkers, or even strangers. It’s one of the most common holiday greetings in Sweden, expressing warmth and kindness during the festive season.
🔊 How to Pronounce “God jul”
If you want to pronounce Merry Christmas in Swedish like a native, say “gohd yool.” The d in God is soft, and jul sounds similar to yule in English. Fun fact: both words come from the same ancient Norse root!
💬 Other Ways to Say Merry Christmas in Swedish
Besides God jul, Swedes often say “God jul och gott nytt år” — meaning “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” For something a bit warmer, you can say “Ha en riktigt god jul” (“Have a really merry Christmas”). These variations make your greeting sound more natural and personal.
How to Wish Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in Swedish
If you want to go beyond just saying “Merry Christmas in Swedish”, you can wish someone a happy new year too.
The full phrase is “God jul och gott nytt år”, which translates to “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
Swedes often use it in cards, messages, and emails during the holiday season. It’s a warm and friendly way to send good wishes for both Christmas and the year ahead.
You can say it to anyone — family, friends, coworkers, or customers — and it fits perfectly in both formal and casual settings.
For example:
-
God jul och gott nytt år till dig och din familj!
→ Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family! -
Vi önskar er en riktigt god jul och ett gott nytt år!
→ We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Learning this phrase is a great next step once you know how to say Merry Christmas in Swedish. It’s the perfect way to spread joy from one year into the next — the Scandinavian way.
🕯️ Swedish Christmas Traditions
Understanding Swedish Christmas traditions helps you appreciate the meaning behind Merry Christmas in Swedish. Celebrations start on December 24th with family gatherings, good food, and gift exchanges. Homes glow with candles and stars in the windows, bringing light to the long Nordic nights.
🎁 Christmas Cards in Sweden
Many Swedes still send handwritten Christmas cards (julkort). They might write “God jul önskar Anna och Johan” (“Merry Christmas from Anna and Johan”). Writing Merry Christmas in Swedish on a card adds a personal touch and shows cultural thoughtfulness — especially if you’re sending greetings abroad.
☕ Swedish Christmas Food and Drinks
When you wish someone Merry Christmas in Swedish, it often comes with food! Traditional dishes include julskinka (Christmas ham), meatballs, pickled herring, and gravlax (cured salmon). Don’t forget the glögg — Sweden’s spiced Christmas wine, served warm with almonds and raisins.
🎅 Who Is “Jultomten”?
Santa Claus in Sweden is called Jultomten. He’s a beloved figure who delivers presents on Christmas Eve. When he visits, he often asks, “Finns det några snälla barn här?” — “Are there any nice children here?” It’s a line every Swedish kid knows by heart.
🎶 Swedish Christmas Songs You Should Know
Music is an essential part of Swedish Christmas celebrations. Classic songs include “Nu tändas tusen juleljus” (“Now a Thousand Christmas Candles Are Lit”) and “Hej tomtegubbar” (“Hello Little Gnomes”). Learning these songs can make saying Merry Christmas in Swedish even more fun and festive!
Send Flowers this Christmas
To the flowers🕯️ St. Lucia – The Light Before Christmas
Before Christmas Eve, Swedes celebrate Luciadagen (St. Lucia’s Day) on December 13th. Children dress in white and sing traditional songs while carrying candles. It’s a unique Swedish way to welcome the light — and marks the unofficial start of saying Merry Christmas in Swedish everywhere.
🌍 Saying Merry Christmas in Swedish Around the World
If you have Swedish friends, colleagues, or family abroad, greeting them with “God jul” is a lovely gesture. It shows that you care about their culture and traditions. Whether you write it in a message or say it out loud, wishing Merry Christmas in Swedish spreads warmth across languages and borders.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to say Merry Christmas in Swedish is a small but meaningful way to connect with the Scandinavian spirit of kindness and coziness. So this holiday season, light a candle, enjoy some glögg, and don’t forget to say — God jul!
Frequently Asked Questions – Merry Christmas in Swedish
The Swedish phrase for Merry Christmas is “God jul.” It’s the most common way to wish someone a joyful and peaceful Christmas in Sweden.
God jul is pronounced “gohd yool.” The d is soft and the jul sounds like yule in English. Practice saying it slowly to sound natural — “gohd yool.”
Literally, God jul means “Good Christmas.” It’s used in the same way as Merry Christmas in English, expressing goodwill and happiness during the holidays.
In Swedish, you say “God jul och gott nytt år.” It’s a very common greeting used in cards, emails, and conversations throughout December.
Swedes celebrate Christmas mainly on December 24th, known as Julafton (Christmas Eve). That’s when families gather, exchange gifts, and say “God jul!”
Swedish traditions include lighting candles, eating julskinka (Christmas ham), drinking glögg (spiced wine), and watching Donald Duck’s Christmas special on TV. All of these are part of the festive God jul spirit.
Jultomten is the Swedish version of Santa Claus. He delivers gifts to children on Christmas Eve and often says the famous line: “Finns det några snälla barn här?” — “Are there any nice children here?”
Most people write “God jul önskar [your name]” — meaning “Merry Christmas from [your name].” You can also write “God jul och gott nytt år” for a full holiday greeting.
Yes! The word jul comes from the Old Norse “jól”, which is the same root as the English word yule. Both refer to ancient winter celebrations long before modern Christmas.
Absolutely! Swedes love when others use their language. Saying “God jul” to a Swedish friend, colleague, or even a stranger is polite, festive, and always appreciated.