Four words that could be easily confused in Swedish: bestämma, beställa, betala och berätta

During my process of learning Swedish, I often get confused by these four words. They have similar spelling and the common “be-” prefix. Let’s have a look at them.

bestämma

Meaning: determine, prescribe, decide, settle

This verb is used when making decisions or determining something.

Examples:

• Jag ska bestämma vilken film vi ska titta på. (I will decide which movie we should watch.)
• Läkaren bestämde att hon behöver vila. (The doctor prescribed that she needs to rest.)

beställa

Meaning: book, reserve, order

This verb is used when booking something or ordering food, goods, etc.

Examples:

• Vi ska beställa bord på restaurangen. (We’re going to book a table at the restaurant.)
• Kan du beställa pizza till middag? (Can you order pizza for dinner?)

betala

Meaning: pay

This verb is used when paying for something.

Examples:

• Jag betalar räkningen. (I’m paying the bill.)
• Hon betalade med kort. (She paid with a card.)

berätta

Meaning: relate, tell, narrate

This verb is used when telling stories or informing about something.

Examples:

• Kan du berätta vad som hände? (Can you tell me what happened?)
• Farmor berättade sagor för barnen. (Grandmother told fairy tales to the children.)

Memory tips to remember the differences:

• bestämma = stick to a decision
• beställa = store/restaurant orders
• betala = take out money to pay
• berätta = relate a story

By focusing on the key consonant after “be-”, you can more easily remember which verb to use!