Using an interpreter: at the health centre

What's it about?

Tip: The first question on any Swedish service line. Literally 'what does it concern?'

I'd like to book an appointment.

Tip: An appointment is literally 'a time'.

I need an interpreter.

Tip: No article: Swedish drops 'an' here.

Which language is it?

Tip: 'Language' is an ett-word, so the question word ends in -t.

I speak a little Swedish, but not enough for this.

Tip: Explaining why you want one even though you speak some.

You have the right to an interpreter.

Tip: Literally 'you have right to interpreter', no articles.

Would you like a phone interpreter or one in person?

Tip: 'In person' is literally 'on place'.

A phone interpreter is fine.

Tip: Literally 'goes well'. The standard way to say something works for you.

I'd prefer a female interpreter.

Tip: The adverb means 'preferably'. A normal request; just ask.

I'll make a note of that.

Tip: Literally 'that shall I write in', meaning enter it in the system. Object first, verb second.

Does the interpreter cost anything?

Tip: Yes/no question: verb first.

The interpreter doesn't cost you anything.

Tip: 'Nothing' used as the object instead of 'not ... anything'.

The interpreter is connected now.

Tip: From the verb 'connect up'. Used for calls and the internet.

I interpret everything that's said.

Tip: The last verb is passive: 'is said'.

I'm bound by confidentiality.

Tip: Literally 'I have silence duty'.

I'll try to speak Swedish myself, but I want you as backup.

Tip: 'As support' is the natural way to say backup here.

Can you hear me OK?

Tip: Literally 'hear you me well?'

Please talk directly to the nurse, not to me.

Tip: The adverb softens an instruction into 'please do'.

I'll try to keep my sentences short so the interpreter can keep up.

Tip: Keep up = literally 'have time with'.

Could you speak a bit more slowly?

Tip: Comparative of the adverb: 'slow-er'.

Sorry, I didn't quite understand.

Tip: 'Not really' softens it to 'not quite'.

Could you interpret that?

Tip: 'That (there)' points to what was just said.

May I ask for a short pause?

Tip: 'Ask for' = literally 'pray about'. Polite and formal-neutral.

Now I'm following.

Tip: Literally 'now hang I with'. Verb second after 'now'.

Could you write it down for me?

Tip: 'For me' in the sense of 'on my behalf' uses a special preposition.

Do you want us to book an interpreter next time too?

Tip: Want + that-clause: 'want that we book'.

Yes please, the same interpreter if possible.

Tip: 'If it goes' = if possible.

My neighbour lets his daughter interpret at the doctor's.

Tip: His own daughter uses the reflexive possessive. 'At the doctor's' uses the preposition for 'at someone's place'.

We advise against it.

Tip: Literally 'we advise away from it'. Formal but common from staff.

Children and relatives shouldn't have to interpret.

Tip: 'Shall not need to' = shouldn't have to.

I didn't know that.

Tip: Object first, then verb, then subject: very natural spoken Swedish.

Thank you too!

Tip: Literally 'thanks yourself'. The standard reply when someone thanks you.