Swedish for Adult Learners 

The Scandinavian School offers Swedish courses at several different skill levels.  One course consist of 8 weekly lessons. Each year, we offer four courses: two in the spring and two in the fall. Students may only sign up for one course (8 lessons) at a time. 

Each class level (Beginner to Advanced) lasts 1 year. Students always start at course level 1a, and follow the four course parts (1a+b / 2a+b). For example, all beginners start from level Beginner 1a, and can complete beginner 1a & 1b during the first term and next term move to beginner 2a & b.

Course cost for 8 x 60-minute lessons: $345
Course cost for 8 x 90-minute lessons: $430

Levels

Beginner: This course is suitable for people with no, or little, prior knowledge of Swedish. A beginner class can also be a good start for people who have lived with the language but not spoken it actively. The focus is on basic pronunciation, grammar, and simple communication in typical everyday situations. Students will also be introduced to the cultural aspects of the society. Textbook: Rivstart A1+A2

Intermediate: This course is for people who have done the Beginner courses at SSCC, or who have achieved the same knowledge elsewhere. The class will continue building up vocabulary and speaking Swedish with a focus on day -to -day conversations. Textbook: Rivstart A1+A2

Upper Intermediate: This course is suitable for students who have studied two years at the SSCC or achieved a confirmed level in Swedish elsewhere. Emphasis is on conversation and to review a range of grammatical topics during these conversations. Beside the textbook other course material is introduced in class, such as articles and podcasts. Textbook: Rivstart B1+B2

Advanced: This course is suitable for students who have already studied three years at the SSCC or achieved a strong level of spoken and written Swedish elsewhere. Emphasis is on conversation and to improve fluency and listening skills. Students focus on expressing themselves with more complex sentences and expanding their vocabulary. Complementary course material is used in class, such as articles and podcasts. Textbook: Rivstart B1+B2

Conversational: This class is for people who want to practice and develop their language skills through conversation. The students must have close to fluent verbal- and strong grammatical skills. This is a conversational class where different themes are discussed, with starting point in the course material: News articles, TV-shows, podcasts etc.

Some of the Beginner and Intermediate classes are working with an additional course book: Form i fokus Del A and Del B by Cecilia Fasth and Anita Kannermark (this will be communicated in class).

Are you unsure which course is right for you? Contact our Cultural Program Manager Anna-Karin Brazee at abrazee@scandinavianschool.org with questions.

Our teachers

Native Swede Anne-Louise Pettersson has a Master’s Degree in Education from Stockholm University. She has been teaching adults at the Scandinavian School since 2005. She enjoys long walks in both San Francisco and nature.

Native Swede Robert Rosenquist has a Master's Degree in Education from Linköping University and has been working with bilingual and full immersion education with students of all ages since 2010. In his free time he enjoys hiking, spending time with family and friends, and the occasional game of Carcassonne or Puerto Rico.

Native Swede Monika Stahler has a Bachelor's Degree in English and taught English as a Second Language in the Bay Area before starting teaching Swedish at the Scandinavian School. She is also the Cultural Programs Manager for Youth Programs at the school. In her free time she enjoys hiking, reading, and playing with the family cats.

Classes January 2025

Beginner 1A (virtual), TBC, Tuesday 5pm-6pm, start January 21

Beginner 1A (in-person), Anne-Louise, Monday 4.45pm-6.15pm, start January 13

Beginner 1B (virtual), Monika, Wednesday 7.15pm-8.15pm, start January 15

Intermediate 1A (virtual), TBC, Tuesday 5.00-6.00, start January 21

Intermediate 2A (virtual), Robert, Wednesday 6.00-7.30, start January 22

Upper Intermediate (virtual), Monika, Wednesday 6pm-7pm, start January 15

Advanced (virtual), Robert, Tuesday 6.15pm-7.45pm, start January 21

Advanced (In-person), Anne-Louise, Monday 6.30pm-8pm, start January 13

Conversational (virtual), Anne-Louise, Tuesday 6.30-7.30pm, start January 14

All sales are final. Students can be transferred between different levels, but refunds are not offered.