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Original analysis

The Samtalekort Conversation Index

We went through every question in the Samtalekort library — 631 in English and 3155 across 5 languages — to find out what actually makes a good conversation question. Here are the key findings (updated June 2026).

Key findings

  • The library holds 631 questions in English and 3155 in total across 5 languages.
  • 88% are open questions ending in “?” — they invite a story rather than a yes/no.
  • The average question is just 13 words (73 characters) — short enough to read aloud in one breath.
  • Questions span 78 distinct themes across 12 decks.
  • The largest format is “Would you rather” with 105 cards.
  • 33 questions are free to play right away.

What makes a good conversation question?

  1. Short and speakable. At an average of 13 words, a question can be read aloud in one breath — it is harder to hide behind a long question.
  2. Open, not closed. 88% end in “?” and ask for a story, not a yes or no.
  3. One focus at a time. The best cards ask a single question — not three packed into one.
  4. Concrete over abstract. “What is the best thing that happened to you this week?” beats “tell me about your life”.

What people talk about

The most common themes in the library — from light to deep:

  1. Would you rather82 (13%)
  2. Family51 (8%)
  3. Philosophy40 (6%)
  4. Friendship39 (6%)
  5. Love38 (6%)
  6. Art & creativity38 (6%)
  7. Colleagues31 (5%)
  8. Fun26 (4%)

Examples from the library

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Sample cards from Family

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  1. Card 1

    Has a family member ever openly rebelled against family expectations, and what came of it?

  2. Card 2

    What is your best childhood memory with your family?

  3. Card 3

    How have your grandparents' stories and experiences shaped your understanding of family?

  4. Card 4

    How does your family deal with 'difficult' or 'problematic' relatives?

  5. Card 5

    How has your upbringing shaped the person you are today?

  6. Card 6

    How does sibling rivalry affect your relationships now that you're adults?

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Sample cards from Philosophy

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  1. Card 1

    Is it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all? Does that apply to everything in life?

  2. Card 2

    When did you last lie to protect someone — was it right?

  3. Card 3

    What do existentialists say about the fear of the absurd, and can meaninglessness be a driving force?

  4. Card 4

    If you could know exactly when you'll die, would you want to know?

  5. Card 5

    If you knew you would die tomorrow, what would you regret most not having said?

  6. Card 6

    How can minimalism, as a philosophical approach, challenge a materialistic society?

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Method

The numbers are computed directly from the entire Samtalekort library as of June 2026: all 631 English questions (3155 across 5 languages) spread over 12 decks. It is a count of our own content — no personal data or user behaviour is involved. Lengths are measured in characters and words per question; “open questions” are those ending in “?”.

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