Sproken
B1Swedish·12 cards

Calling a plumber — one call, start to finish

A complete phone call to a Swedish plumber in conversation order: describe the problem, book a visit, talk price, wrap up.

This deck is one real phone call, from hello to goodbye — the cards are in conversation order, so read them top to bottom the first time. Along the way it stops at the pairs Swedes never mix up but learners always do: dripping vs leaking, and the three booking verbs (boka, boka om, avboka) that decide whether the plumber shows up, shows up later, or never.

Close-up of hands adjusting a boiler system with precise instrumentation, showing maintenance work.
Photo: Heiko Ruth on Pexels
  1. 1

    Hej, jag ringer angående en läcka i köket.

    Hi, I'm calling about a leak in my kitchen.

    Tip: angående = regarding; a slightly formal opener that fits calls to businesses

  2. 2

    Kranen droppar hela tiden.

    The faucet is dripping constantly.

    Tip: droppa = to drip, drop by drop

  3. 3

    Det läcker under diskbänken.

    It's leaking under the sink.

    Tip: läcka works as noun (en läcka) and verb (det läcker)

  4. 4

    Avloppet är helt igensatt.

    The drain is completely clogged.

    Tip: igensatt = blocked/clogged, past participle of sätta igen

  5. 5

    Kan ni komma och titta på det?

    Can you come and take a look?

    Tip: ni, not du — businesses on the phone often get the plural

  6. 6

    Jag skulle vilja boka en tid den här veckan.

    I'd like to book a time this week.

    Tip: en tid = an appointment slot, not 'time' in general

  7. 7

    Jag behöver boka om tiden.

    I need to reschedule the appointment.

    Tip: the particle om carries the meaning: re-book

  8. 8

    Jag måste tyvärr avboka.

    I have to cancel, unfortunately.

    Tip: av- prefix: off/un- — avboka = un-book

  9. 9

    Vad kostar det ungefär?

    What will it cost, roughly?

    Tip: ungefär softens it — you're asking for a ballpark, not a quote

  10. 10

    Tar ni betalt per timme?

    Do you charge per hour?

    Tip: ta betalt = to charge; note betalt, not betala

  11. 11

    Toppen, vi ses på torsdag då.

    Great, see you on Thursday then.

    Tip: toppen = great/perfect; då softens the goodbye

  12. 12

    Kan du skicka ett sms när du är på väg?

    Could you text me when you're on your way?

    Tip: på väg = on the way; sms is the everyday word, not 'meddelande'