Swedish politeness

From UniLang Wiki

In the 1960's, the "du-reform" took place. It consisted in that all members of the governmental institutions should begin to call each other "du" (the "familiar" form). This spread rapidly, and nowadays, almost no one uses "Ni" (the "polite" form) to one person. It is of course always used when speaking to more than one person, just as the English "you".

Nowadays, "even" the crown-princess of Sweden has said "you can call me 'du'", before that, all questions in interviews with her begun like "Does the crown-princess think that...".

Many persons even get a bit angry if you call them "Ni", they see it as a repudiation against them.

Nevertheless, many young persons have begun to re-introduce "Ni", they just see it as being polite. In many advertisements and personal letters from companies – often run by young people –, you can see "Ni" or to be a bit more subtle: "Du", with first letter capital.

So, who knows what the future will bring. But don't worry, when in Sweden, do as the Swedes; no sane person will get intimidated if you call them "du".