Jag packar alltid solkräm två gånger, för säkerhets skull.

Breakdown of Jag packar alltid solkräm två gånger, för säkerhets skull.

jag
I
alltid
always
packa
to pack
solkrämen
the sunscreen
två gånger
twice
för säkerhets skull
just to be safe
Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Swedish grammar and vocabulary.

Start learning Swedish now

Questions & Answers about Jag packar alltid solkräm två gånger, för säkerhets skull.

Why is alltid placed after packar and before the object solkräm?

In Swedish, adverbs of frequency like alltid usually come after the finite verb in main clauses. The basic word order is Subject – Verb – Adverb – Object. So:

  • Jag (Subject)
  • packar (Verb)
  • alltid (Adverb of frequency)
  • solkräm (Object)
What does för säkerhets skull mean, and why is it at the end of the sentence?
För säkerhets skull is an idiomatic expression meaning “to be on the safe side” or “just in case.” It’s a prepositional phrase used to indicate that you’re doing something extra for safety. In Swedish, such adjuncts often come at the end of a sentence to add additional information or a reason.
Why do we say två gånger here, and could it come in a different position?

Två gånger means “twice.” It’s an adverbial of number/frequency. In Swedish you can sometimes place it:

  • After the verb: Jag packar solkräm två gånger.
  • After the object: Jag packar solkräm två gånger.

Both are correct, but putting it right after the object emphasizes what you pack twice.

Is solkräm one word or two? How do I know?
Solkräm is a compound noun: sol (sun) + kräm (cream). Swedish often forms compounds by joining words together without spaces. When in doubt, check a dictionary: if it’s a fixed expression meaning a single concept (suncream), it’s usually one word.
Why is the verb packar in the present tense?
The sentence describes a habitual action or routine: you always pack sunscreen twice whenever you prepare. In Swedish (as in English), we use the present tense to talk about habits.
Could I replace för säkerhets skull with another expression?

Yes. You might also say:

  • bara för att vara på den säkra sidan (just to be on the safe side)
  • ifall det behövs (in case it’s needed)

Each carries a similar nuance of doing something extra for safety.

What’s the difference between packa and stuva? I sometimes see stuv in contexts of packing.
  • Packa is the general verb for packing luggage, bags, containers, etc.
  • Stuva is more specific and often means to stow or load things neatly into a hold, trailer, or storage compartment.

In everyday travel or beach prep, you’d use packa.