Fixed optative expressions (leve, vare)

The Optative Mood and "Leve"

Modern Swedish does not actively use the subjunctive or optative moods, but you will hear them in fixed, formulaic expressions like wishes, cheers, and toasts. These old verb forms typically end in -e.

At a formal event like a wedding, the most common optative verb you will hear is leve (may [they] live), derived from leva (to live). It is usually paired with länge (long).

Long live the bridal couple!
Länge leve brudparet!
Long live the bride and the bridegroom!
Länge leve bruden och brudgummen!

"Vare" (May it be)

The optative form of the verb vara (to be) is vare. This form survives today in highly traditional or religious expressions, often to offer blessings (välsignad) or give thanks to God (Gud).

Blessed be the love that comes from within.
Välsignad vare kärleken som kommer inifrån.
Thanks be to God for this wonderful day.
Gud vare tack för den här underbara dagen.

Formal Toasts and Cheers

When raising a toast at a formal Swedish banquet, you will often hear calls for ett fyrfaldigt hurra (a fourfold hooray). While everyday birthdays often get three cheers, four cheers are traditionally reserved for formal occasions, weddings, and royalty. It is common to toast to the bridal couple's välgång (prosperity).

A fourfold hooray for the bridal couple!
Ett fyrfaldigt hurra för brudparet!
A fourfold hooray for the prosperity of the bride and the bridegroom!
Ett fyrfaldigt hurra för brudens och brudgummens välgång!

"Varde" (Let there become)

The archaic verb varda means "to become." Its optative form, varde, is famously used in the biblical phrase for "let there be" (literally: "may there become"). While old-fashioned, you may hear it used poetically in speeches to bestow a grand wish upon the couple.

Let there be light, and thanks be to God.
Varde ljus, och Gud vare tack.
Let there be light in the bride's and the bridegroom's home!
Varde ljus i brudens och brudgummens hem!