While all of the Swedish-speaking Finns were visiting the states, I was given the opportunity to ask what I deem as difficult Swedish grammar questions. (Don’t think that I’m a terrible hostess…this was after the crayfish/schnapps visar party.) What I got to find out is that time is difficult to talk about in Swedish, er rather, when to use specific words and when regarding time. So with the help I received that evening, and the assistance of Lexin’s Swedish-English dictionary, I’ll try and explain to help my understanding. (Let’s hope I get this correct and don’t further learn it incorrectly…please feel free to help me!)
In my teency-eency understanding of Swedish, there are three words to describe time: tid, gång, and dags. While at the “in-laws” home where all of the Swedish-speakers were staying, I kept hearing all three of these to describe time, but couldn’t seem to figure out when and why they used them. Yikers. Lexin helps me describe each a little easier:
Tid: Seems to be used when describing an actual time, as in the time the movie starts or a reservation. Apparently it can also be used for a period of time, which I didn’t know. Eek! Lexin gives us these examples: tid att tänka—time to think; i en månads tid—in a month.
Gång: Seems to be used when describing the amount of times something has happened. Here are examples from Lexin: the first time I saw her — första gången jag såg henne; en gång till—one more time.
Dags: Seems to be used when describing a time that is fluctuating, as in, “I’m tired and it’s time to go to bed.” Not a set time. Lexin’s examples: det är dags att gå hem—it’s time to go home; matdags—time to eat.
Ugh. Swedish is difficult, but sooooo interesting. If I wasn’t such a masochist, I most likely wouldn’t keep this up. Yikes. I’ve also started looking into some actual classes, but the only ones offered this fall begin at intermediate level, which I am absolutely nowhere near. Ugh. Let’s all cross our fingers and say a good thought for my molasses-speed learning. 
