• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Newbie Guide to Sweden

We explain Sweden

Moving from the Netherlands to Sweden – Adrian’s story

Adrian moved from the Netherlands to Sweden for work. The bank he worked for in The Netherlands asked him to apply for a job in Stockholm as they were about to open a new office. He moved here in May 2006. Here he shares his story with us.

I used to work in sales (Commercial Banking), but I took a 2 year permission for studies starting august 2015 in order to become an arborist (a tree-care specialist).

I felt rather lonely in the beginning as Swedes can be quite reserved towards strangers. In a small team with 7 individuals I was the only foreigner.

My experience is that Swedes are at work to work, not really to make friends.

As a Dutchman, who compared to Swedes are more outspoken I sometimes felt that I was sticking out, which was not always appreciated. I still have this feeling from time to time.

Adrian
In Stockholm

What do you like about Sweden and the Swedes?

Gender equality and equality between individuals in general, no matter what religion, color,  social class, sexual preference etc. Swedes are not really reaching out to foreigners/strangers, but when you ask someone for help you will get all the help you need. And even a little more.

What is your favourite Swedish word?

Gryningen. I don’t know why, I just like the sound of it! (It means dawn)

What do you find strange about the Swedes?

I have been living here almost too long now, but when looking back I thought it was hilarious that people sometimes queue without a reason (Men for example could line up in a queue with mixed genders leading to the restrooms, even when there are urinoirs as well.

I understand that some of them may have a good reason to line up in a queue for a regular toilet seat, but I really have the impression that many of them simply queue because they are used to it and just don’t think any further). Don’t get me wrong: I do appreciate the fact that people queue otherwise!

What do you miss the most after moving from The Netherlands to Sweden?

Old friends and family.

What did you find difficult socially when you first arrived?

I thought it was difficult to learn to know Swedish people as they have a rather reserved attitude towards foreigners (at least in Stockholm), at the same time I did not feel like hanging too much of my time on the

Adrian at Torneträsk
At Torneträsk

Dutch Embassy (where my fellow countrymen organize a number of annual events), as hanging with Dutchies only was not what I came to Sweden for. Catch 22? 🙂

What do you find confusing about Swedish culture?

In sales: Swedes can be quite demanding as they really want to understand every detail, you better be well prepared. However, in contact with friends I sometimes am still very surprised how people simply agree with each other in discussions for social reasons.

What Swedish trait do you find interesting/confusing/adorable or irritating?

  • Interesting: understanding approach towards people of all kinds
  • Confusing: why only porridge for breakfast?
  • Adorable: why buying a yellow-blue t-shirt in Paris with the text ”je suis Suedois” (I am Swedish)?
  • Irritating: living social life by overbooking a calendar

Do you have an anecdote about something funny that happened during your first time here?

While I was doing my best to learn Swedish after I just arrived in Sweden, some of my colleagues simply could not help laughing out loud when I would say things wrong – e.g. avsläppande instead of  avslappnande and things like that. (The first word has a resemblance to “passing gas” and the second one means “to relax” – not quite the same thing). However, I really should mention that I got great help from my colleagues to learn Swedish! That made the transition from the Netherlands to Sweden a lot easier.

Do you have a Swedish partner?

Yes. We met online and decided to go and have a coffee together after finding out that we really liked talking to each other.

Why did you and your partner decide on Sweden?

I decided on Sweden for professional reasons (as mentioned earlier). My partner is Swedish (early stage though, we only met a couple of months ago, it is questionable if we could be referred to as partners, but what the heck…). After an earlier relationship with a ”local” did not work out I promised myself that my next partner would be Dutch. I guess I failed (again).

What are the difficulties of a culturally mixed relationship?

Haha, I hope this time they will be very limited!

What are the positive aspects of a culturally mixed relationship?

Every time I experience that there is another effective approach for solving an issue that I did not think of I really feel inspired!

Do you have any advice for Newbies?

Be proactive. Learn Swedish. Try and participate in social activities. Accept the fact that being new in this country will make you feel rather stupid from time to time (while learning a new language for example).

 

Primary Sidebar

Search

Search

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages
Filter by Categories
About
Blog
Culture
Driving
Education
Health
Housing
Info
Just Arrived
Parenting
Social
Sweden
Swedish
Work

Don’t miss …

Need a mobile phone subscription?

Follow, tag, comment and share

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Latest from the Newbie Blog

  • The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Work Visa in Sweden
  • Why being a good driver is not enough to get a Swedish driver’s license
  • How to prepare your car for the Swedish winter
  • How to properly stock your medicine cabinet for the cold season
  • From zero to fluent in 18 months: my Swedish learning journey

Sign up to our newsletter

Privacy policy & Terms of use

Privacy policy
Terms of use
Terms of purchase
Cookies
Contact us
Missing something?

Footer

The Newbie Blog

  • The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Work Visa in Sweden
  • Why being a good driver is not enough to get a Swedish driver’s license
  • How to prepare your car for the Swedish winter

Useful links

Privacy policy
Terms of use
Terms of purchase
Cookies
Contact us
Missing something?

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Sign up to our newsletter

Get the lastest with our newsletter

© 2025 The Newbie Guide to Sweden · Xponent Standard On Genesis Framework & WordPress · Log in

  • Arriving in Sweden for the first time
  • Learn Swedish
  • How to find a job in Sweden
  • Accommodation in Sweden
  • Health in Sweden
  • Driving in Sweden
  • Start a business in Sweden
  • How to make friends in Sweden
  • The guide for refugees in Sweden
  • Blog
  • العربية
  • Newbie Stories
  • About
  • Sign up for our newsletter – The Newbie Guide to Sweden
  • Follow us
  • Advertise with us