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B2 verb 10 Min. Lesezeit

betrakta

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Erklärung betrakta in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'betrakta' is quite advanced. However, you can think of it as a very special way of saying 'titta' (look). Imagine you are looking at a very beautiful flower or a nice picture. You aren't just looking quickly; you are looking for a long time because it is interesting. That is 'betrakta.' It is a 'slow look.' Beginners usually stick to 'titta på,' but knowing that 'betrakta' exists helps you understand more formal Swedish. You might see it in simple books about art or nature. Just remember: Betrakta = Look closely and carefully. It is a verb that shows you are paying attention to what you see.

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At the A2 level, you start to see 'betrakta' in more sentences about people and feelings. You might learn that 'betrakta som' means 'to think of someone as something.' For example, 'Jag betraktar dig som en vän' (I think of you as a friend). This is a very useful phrase! It is a bit more formal than 'Du är min vän.' You might also see it when people talk about hobbies, like 'betrakta stjärnorna' (observing the stars). It is still a physical action of looking, but it starts to include the idea of thinking about what you are seeing. You are moving from 'just looking' to 'looking and thinking.'

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By B1, 'betrakta' becomes a tool for expressing opinions and perspectives. You should be comfortable using the 'betrakta som' construction to describe how things are perceived in society. For example, 'I Sverige betraktas fika som en viktig tradition' (In Sweden, fika is regarded as an important tradition). Notice the 's' at the end—this is the passive form, and it is very common at this level. You are also learning to use it in more abstract ways, like 'betrakta ett problem' (looking at a problem). This doesn't mean looking at it with your eyes, but considering it with your mind to find a solution.

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At the B2 level, which is where this word truly belongs, you use 'betrakta' to add nuance and formality to your Swedish. You use it in essays to discuss different viewpoints: 'Om man betraktar saken ur ett historiskt perspektiv...' (If one views the matter from a historical perspective...). You understand the difference between 'betrakta' and its synonyms like 'iaktta' (observe) or 'anse' (consider). You can use it to describe complex social statuses and legal definitions. It is a key word for academic and professional Swedish, allowing you to discuss how concepts, people, and events are categorized and understood by others.

At the C1 level, 'betrakta' is used with great precision. You use it to describe the 'betraktare' (the observer) in philosophical or literary contexts. You might discuss the 'male gaze' as 'den manliga blicken' and how women are 'betraktade' in media. You use the word to analyze subtle shifts in public perception. You also use the noun 'betraktelse' to refer to thoughtful essays or reflections. Your usage of the word is no longer just about 'looking' or 'considering,' but about the entire process of human perception and the social construction of meaning. You can use it in highly formal debates and sophisticated literature.

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At the C2 level, 'betrakta' is part of your instinctive vocabulary. You use it to navigate the most complex linguistic terrains, from legal statutes to existential philosophy. You might use it to discuss how a certain phenomenon is 'betraktat ur ett fenomenologiskt perspektiv' (viewed from a phenomenological perspective). You understand every subtle connotation—how it can imply detachment, respect, clinical distance, or deep admiration depending on the context. You can play with the word in creative writing, using it to set a specific mood of quiet observation or intense scrutiny. It is a word that you not only use but also master in all its stylistic variations.

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betrakta in 30 Sekunden

Betrakta means to look closely or regard something as having a specific quality.
It is more formal than 'titta' and is common in news and academic writing.
The phrase 'betrakta som' (regard as) is the most frequent way to use it.
It follows regular Group 1 verb conjugations: betraktar, betraktade, betraktat.

The Swedish verb betrakta is a sophisticated and multi-layered word that English speakers usually translate as 'to regard,' 'to view,' 'to observe,' or 'to consider.' At its core, it describes the act of looking at something, but it rarely refers to a quick glance. Instead, it implies a level of intention, duration, or mental processing. When you betraktar something, you are not just seeing it; you are taking it in, analyzing it, or assigning a specific status to it. This makes it a staple in formal writing, art criticism, legal documents, and philosophical discussions. In everyday speech, it is less common than 'titta' (look) or 'se' (see), but it is essential for expressing how one perceives the world or others.

Physical Observation: This refers to the act of looking at an object or person with focus. For example, a scientist might observe a specimen or an art lover might gaze at a painting. It implies a certain distance and objectivity.

Hon stod länge och betraktade den gamla tavlan i tystnad.

Mental Categorization: This is the most common use in B2-level Swedish. It involves viewing someone or something as a specific entity. It is almost always paired with the preposition 'som' (as). For instance, 'to regard someone as a friend' is 'att betrakta någon som en vän.'

Furthermore, betrakta is used to describe an analytical stance. In an academic essay, you might 'examine' a problem by using this verb. It suggests a methodical approach. It is also used in legal contexts, such as how the law 'views' a certain action. If the law regards a crime as serious, the word betrakta will likely appear in the judicial text. It carries a weight of authority and finality that simpler verbs like 'kolla' (check) lack entirely.

Många betraktar detta beslut som ett historiskt misstag.

Passive Observation: Sometimes used to describe being a bystander or spectator. To 'betrakta omvärlden' means to watch the world around you, often with a sense of detachment or philosophical curiosity.

Han satt på bänken och betraktade folklivet på torget.

Vi måste betrakta situationen ur ett bredare perspektiv.

Barnet betraktade nyfiket den lilla skalbaggen på marken.

Using betrakta correctly requires understanding its grammatical patterns, most notably the 'betrakta X som Y' construction. This is equivalent to 'regard X as Y' or 'view X as Y.' Unlike the English 'consider,' you cannot usually omit the 'som' when you are defining the status of something. For example, you wouldn't say 'Jag betraktar honom min vän'—it must be 'Jag betraktar honom som min vän.' This structure is incredibly versatile and appears in everything from news reports to personal heart-to-hearts.

The 'Som' Construction: Object + som + Predicative. This is the bread and butter of the word. It allows you to define the essence or role of the object in your eyes.

Regeringen betraktar frågan som avslutad.

When using it in the physical sense, it functions as a transitive verb. You betraktar an object directly. Notice how it changes the tone of the sentence. If you say 'Jag tittar på dig,' it's neutral. If you say 'Jag betraktar dig,' it implies you are studying the person, perhaps looking for clues about their character or admiring their features. It is a much more intense and focused action than 'titta.'

Han betraktade sin spegelbild med en blandning av sorg och stolthet.

Passive Form (Betraktas): The passive form 'betraktas' is extremely common in Swedish journalism and academic writing. It translates to 'is regarded' or 'is considered.' It is a great way to state general opinions or facts without attributing them to a specific person.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic betraktas av många som Sveriges främsta fotbollsspelare genom tiderna.

In more abstract contexts, you can 'betrakta' a problem from different angles. This is often paired with 'ur' (from) and 'perspektiv' (perspective). This usage is vital for B2 and C1 learners who need to participate in discussions or write argumentative texts. It shows that you are capable of nuanced thinking.

Om vi betraktar problemet ur ett ekonomiskt perspektiv, ser lösningen annorlunda ut.

Adverbial Modifiers: Common adverbs used with betrakta include 'noga' (carefully), 'kritiskt' (critically), and 'tyst' (silently). These help define the quality of the observation.

Läkaren betraktade noga patientens utslag.

Man bör betrakta dessa resultat med viss försiktighet.

You will encounter betrakta in a variety of high-stakes environments. It is not the kind of word you use while ordering a coffee, but it is exactly what you will hear on the news, in a university lecture, or read in a high-quality novel. Its presence signals a shift from the mundane to the meaningful. In Swedish media, journalists use it to describe how the public or experts perceive a specific event. For instance, 'Händelsen betraktas som en vändpunkt' (The event is regarded as a turning point).

In Museums and Galleries: When you visit the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, you will often see signs or audio guides inviting you to 'betrakta' a masterpiece. It suggests a slow, contemplative looking that goes beyond just 'seeing' the paint on the canvas.

Besökarna uppmanas att betrakta detaljerna i skulpturen.

In the world of Swedish politics and law, betrakta is used to define legal statuses. If a person is 'regarded as a suspect' or 'regarded as a witness,' the verb betrakta is the standard choice. It provides a level of legal precision that is necessary for official communication. You'll hear it in courtrooms and read it in police reports. Similarly, in business, a company might be 'regarded as a leader' in its field.

Han betraktas numera som en av de mest inflytelserika personerna i branschen.

In Literature and Philosophy: Swedish authors like Hjalmar Söderberg or August Strindberg often used 'betrakta' to describe their characters' internal reflections on life. It is the verb of the 'flâneur'—someone who walks through the city, watching life unfold with a detached eye.

Finally, you will hear it in everyday life when someone wants to sound more serious or thoughtful. If a friend says, 'Jag betraktar dig som min närmaste vän,' it carries much more emotional weight than just saying 'Du är min bästa kompis.' It implies that they have thought about it deeply and have come to this firm conclusion about your relationship.

Vi kan betrakta detta som en läxa för framtiden.

Hon satt tyst och betraktade solnedgången över havet.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with betrakta is omitting the 'som.' In English, we can say 'I consider him a friend.' In Swedish, you cannot say 'Jag betraktar honom en vän.' You must include som. This is a hard rule that learners often forget because they are translating directly from English. Always remember: Betrakta + Object + Som + Noun/Adjective.

Confusion with 'Anse': 'Anse' also means 'to consider,' but it is used differently. 'Anse' is usually followed by 'att' (that) or an infinitive. 'Betrakta' is used for viewing something as a certain thing. You 'anser att något är bra' (consider that something is good), but you 'betraktar något som bra' (regard something as good).

Fel: Jag betraktar honom min bror. (Missing 'som')

Another mistake is using betrakta for casual looking. If you are just looking at your phone or looking for your keys, betrakta is far too heavy. Using it in these contexts will make you sound like a character in a 19th-century novel or like you are performing a scientific study on your car keys. Use 'titta på' or 'leta efter' for these everyday actions.

Rätt: Jag betraktar honom som en expert på området.

The 'Titta' vs. 'Betrakta' Trap: Learners often use 'titta' when they want to sound profound. While 'titta' is fine, 'betrakta' adds that layer of observation. However, don't overdo it. If you 'betraktar' everything, you'll sound like you're in a trance.

Finally, be careful with the passive 'betraktas.' It's very useful, but ensure the subject and the predicative match. 'De betraktas som hjältar' (They are regarded as heroes) - both are plural. Swedish is very strict about plural agreement in these structures, even with 'som' in the middle.

De betraktas som de främsta inom sitt fält.

Vi bör inte betrakta detta som ett misslyckande.

Swedish has many words for 'looking' and 'considering,' and choosing the right one depends on the nuance you want to convey. Betrakta sits in the middle of this spectrum—more intense than 'se' but perhaps less clinical than 'iaktta.' Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to vary your language in writing.

Betrakta vs. Iaktta: 'Iaktta' is 'to observe' in a more scientific or surveillance-like sense. You iaktta a phenomenon or a suspect's behavior to gather data. 'Betrakta' is more about the visual experience or the mental regard.
Betrakta vs. Anse: As mentioned, 'anse' is purely mental. You don't 'anse' with your eyes. You 'anse' with your brain. If you are talking about an opinion, 'anse' is often better. If you are talking about a status or a way of viewing something, 'betrakta' is the winner.
Betrakta vs. Skåda: 'Skåda' is very poetic or old-fashioned. You might 'skåda' the stars or 'skåda' into the future. It has a grand, almost biblical feel. 'Betrakta' is much more modern and practical.

Istället för att bara betrakta problemet, måste vi agera.

In academic contexts, you might use 'analysera' (analyze) or 'granska' (examine/scrutinize) instead of 'betrakta' if you want to emphasize the rigor of your work. However, 'betrakta' is often used as a introductory verb to set the stage: 'Låt oss betrakta följande exempel...' (Let us consider the following example...). This is a very common way to transition between ideas in a presentation or essay.

Vi kan iaktta fåglarna utan att de märker oss.

Många anser att skatterna är för höga.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word is related to the English word 'tract' (as in a piece of writing) and the German 'betrachten', which remains the standard word for 'to look at' in German today.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /bɛˈtrakta/

US /bɛˈtrɑktə/

Second syllable: be-TRAK-ta.

Reimt sich auf

vakta akta sakta frakta slakta trakta pakter akter

Häufige Fehler

Stressing the first syllable (BE-trakta).
Pronouncing the 'k' as a 'sh' sound (it should be a hard 'k').
Making the final 'a' sound like an 'e'.
Skipping the 'r' sound entirely.
Misplacing the stress in the passive form 'betraktas'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Common in texts, but requires understanding context to differentiate from 'titta'.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires correct use of 'som' and passive 's' endings.

Sprechen 4/5

Hard to use naturally without sounding overly formal.

Hören 3/5

Easy to recognize, but 'betraktas' can be confused with other 's' verbs.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

titta se som vän tavla

Als Nächstes lernen

iaktta anse överväga perspektiv slutsats

Fortgeschritten

skåda begrunda reflektera analysera granska

Wichtige Grammatik

Group 1 Verbs

betrakta, betraktar, betraktade, betraktat

Passive -s construction

Det betraktas som...

Predicative agreement with 'som'

De betraktas som duktiga (plural agreement).

Reflexive verbs

Han betraktar sig som...

Prepositional objects

Betrakta ur ett perspektiv.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Jag betraktar blomman.

I am looking at the flower (carefully).

Present tense of a regular Group 1 verb.

Han betraktar tavlan.

He is looking at the painting.

Subject + Verb + Object.

Barnet betraktar hunden.

The child is observing the dog.

Definite noun 'Barnet' as subject.

Vi betraktar stjärnorna.

We are observing the stars.

Plural subject 'Vi'.

Betrakta bilden noga.

Look at the picture carefully.

Imperative form (command).

Hon betraktade havet.

She looked at the sea.

Past tense ending in -ade.

De betraktar träden.

They are looking at the trees.

Present tense.

Jag vill betrakta dig.

I want to look at you.

Infinitive after 'vill'.

Jag betraktar dig som en vän.

I regard you as a friend.

Use of 'som' to define a relationship.

Hon betraktar honom som sin bror.

She regards him as her brother.

Possessive pronoun 'sin'.

Vi betraktar detta som en gåva.

We regard this as a gift.

Pronoun 'detta' (this).

Han betraktade huset som sitt hem.

He regarded the house as his home.

Past tense.

De betraktar katten som en familjemedlem.

They regard the cat as a family member.

Compound noun 'familjemedlem'.

Betraktar du mig som vuxen?

Do you regard me as an adult?

Question structure.

Jag betraktar det som ett äventyr.

I regard it as an adventure.

Neutral pronoun 'det'.

Hon betraktar skolan som viktig.

She regards school as important.

Adjective 'viktig' after 'som'.

Boken betraktas som en klassiker.

The book is regarded as a classic.

Passive voice 'betraktas'.

Han betraktas som en expert.

He is regarded as an expert.

Passive voice.

Vi måste betrakta alla möjligheter.

We must consider all possibilities.

Modal verb 'måste'.

Situationen betraktas som allvarlig.

The situation is regarded as serious.

Adjective agreement.

De betraktar sig själva som vinnare.

They regard themselves as winners.

Reflexive pronoun 'sig själva'.

Jag betraktar hans arbete som mycket bra.

I regard his work as very good.

Genitive 'hans'.

Det betraktas som oartigt att komma för sent.

It is regarded as rude to arrive late.

Formal subject 'Det'.

Hon betraktade problemet från en annan sida.

She viewed the problem from another side.

Metaphorical use of 'betrakta'.

Man bör betrakta resultaten med försiktighet.

One should view the results with caution.

Generic subject 'Man'.

Händelsen betraktas som en vändpunkt i historien.

The event is regarded as a turning point in history.

Abstract noun 'vändpunkt'.

Han betraktar konst som en nödvändighet.

He views art as a necessity.

Uncountable noun 'konst'.

Vi betraktar förslaget som mycket intressant.

We regard the proposal as very interesting.

Adverb 'mycket' modifying 'intressant'.

Filmen betraktas av kritiker som ett mästerverk.

The film is regarded by critics as a masterpiece.

Agent 'av kritiker' in passive sentence.

De betraktar lagändringen som ett steg i rätt riktning.

They view the law change as a step in the right direction.

Idiomatic phrase 'steg i rätt riktning'.

Jag betraktar det som min plikt att hjälpa till.

I regard it as my duty to help out.

Object 'det' referring to the infinitive clause.

Läkaren betraktade patienten under tystnad.

The doctor observed the patient in silence.

Prepositional phrase 'under tystnad'.

Han betraktade omvärlden med en cynisk blick.

He viewed the world around him with a cynical gaze.

Noun 'omvärlden' (the surrounding world).

Frågan kan betraktas ur flera olika perspektiv.

The question can be viewed from several different perspectives.

Modal passive 'kan betraktas'.

Hon betraktar sig som en medborgare i världen.

She regards herself as a citizen of the world.

Reflexive 'sig'.

Dessa fynd betraktas som banbrytande.

These findings are regarded as groundbreaking.

Adjective 'banbrytande'.

Författaren betraktar samhället med skärpa.

The author views society with sharpness/acuity.

Abstract noun 'skärpa'.

Det betraktas som ett brott mot mänskligheten.

It is regarded as a crime against humanity.

Strong formal expression.

Vi måste betrakta de långsiktiga konsekvenserna.

We must consider the long-term consequences.

Compound adjective 'långsiktiga'.

Han betraktade tystnaden som ett tecken på samtycke.

He viewed the silence as a sign of consent.

Noun 'samtycke' (consent).

Han betraktade sitt livsverk med en känsla av vemod.

He viewed his life's work with a sense of melancholy.

Nuanced emotional noun 'vemod'.

Fenomenet kan betraktas som en biprodukt av moderniseringen.

The phenomenon can be viewed as a byproduct of modernization.

Academic terminology.

Hon betraktas allmänt som sin generations främsta tänkare.

She is generally regarded as the foremost thinker of her generation.

Adverb 'allmänt' (generally).

Dessa regler bör betraktas som vägledande, inte absoluta.

These rules should be viewed as guiding, not absolute.

Contrastive adjectives.

Han betraktade henne med en blick som rymde både kärlek och förakt.

He viewed her with a gaze that held both love and contempt.

Relative clause 'som rymde...'.

Konstverket kräver att man betraktar det under en längre tid.

The artwork requires that one observes it for a longer period.

Subordinate clause with 'att'.

Detta betraktas som en av de mest fundamentala mänskliga rättigheterna.

This is regarded as one of the most fundamental human rights.

Superlative construction.

Vi bör betrakta historien som en spegel för samtiden.

We should view history as a mirror for the present.

Metaphorical construction.

Synonyme

anse iaktta se på skåda mönstra studera beskåda bedöma

Gegenteile

ignorera försumma blunda för missa

Häufige Kollokationen

betrakta som

betrakta noga

betrakta tyst

betrakta ur ett perspektiv

betrakta med intresse

betrakta som avslutad

betrakta som nödvändig

betrakta som ett hot

betrakta sin spegelbild

betrakta omvärlden

Häufige Phrasen

Betrakta det som gjort

— Consider it done. Used when promising to complete a task.

Självklart fixar jag det, betrakta det som gjort!

Betrakta saken som utredd

— Consider the matter settled or investigated. Used in formal closures.

Efter detta möte kan vi betrakta saken som utredd.

Betraktas som försvunnen

— Regarded as missing. Common in news reports.

Mannen betraktas som försvunnen sedan i tisdags.

Betrakta med kritiska ögon

— To look at something with a critical eye.

Man bör betrakta statistiken med kritiska ögon.

Betrakta som en självklarhet

— To take something for granted or view it as obvious.

Många betraktar demokrati som en självklarhet.

Betrakta som en utmaning

— To view something as a challenge.

Jag väljer att betrakta detta som en utmaning.

Betrakta på avstånd

— To observe from a distance.

Det är bäst att betrakta vilda djur på avstånd.

Betrakta som giltig

— To regard as valid.

Biljetten betraktas inte som giltig efter utgångsdatumet.

Betrakta som en förebild

— To view someone as a role model.

Barn betraktar ofta sina föräldrar som förebilder.

Betrakta som ett misslyckande

— To view as a failure.

Ingen bör betrakta detta som ett misslyckande.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

betrakta vs titta

Titta is casual and quick; betrakta is long and thoughtful.

betrakta vs anse

Anse is purely an opinion (think that); betrakta is viewing as.

betrakta vs beundra

Beundra means to admire; you can betrakta something without liking it.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Betrakta naveln"

— To be self-absorbed (navel-gazing).

Vi kan inte bara sitta här och betrakta naveln.

Informal

"I betraktarens öga"

— In the eye of the beholder. Used about beauty or value.

Skönhet ligger i betraktarens öga.

Formal/Literary

"Vid närmare betraktelse"

— Upon closer inspection/consideration.

Vid närmare betraktelse var förslaget inte så dumt.

Formal

"Betrakta som luft"

— To treat someone as if they don't exist (regard as air).

Hon blev arg och betraktade honom som luft resten av kvällen.

Informal

"Betrakta som helig"

— To regard something as sacred or untouchable.

I den här familjen betraktas söndagsmiddagen som helig.

Neutral

"Betrakta som en sluten bok"

— To view someone or something as a mystery (a closed book).

För mig betraktas hans motiv fortfarande som en sluten bok.

Literary

"Betrakta som guld värd"

— To regard as worth its weight in gold.

Hennes hjälp betraktas som guld värd.

Neutral

"Betrakta som ett avslutat kapitel"

— To view something as a finished chapter in life.

Jag betraktar min tid på det företaget som ett avslutat kapitel.

Neutral

"Betrakta som en droppe i havet"

— To view as a drop in the ocean (insignificant).

Summan betraktas som en droppe i havet jämfört med behovet.

Neutral

"Betrakta som en tidsfråga"

— To view as only a matter of time.

Det betraktas som en tidsfråga innan de vinner.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

betrakta vs iaktta

Both mean 'observe'.

Iaktta is more about gathering data or noticing things (like a detective). Betrakta is more about the experience of looking or the status assigned.

Han iakttog hennes reaktion.

betrakta vs överväga

Both can mean 'consider'.

Överväga means to think about doing something (considering an option). Betrakta means to view something as having a certain quality.

Jag överväger att flytta.

betrakta vs beskåda

Both involve looking.

Beskåda is used for looking at something beautiful or impressive, often from a distance.

Vi beskådade utsikten.

betrakta vs granska

Both involve close looking.

Granska means to scrutinize or audit for errors/truth.

Revisorn granskade räkenskaperna.

betrakta vs skåda

Old/Poetic version.

Skåda is very rare in modern speech and has a prophetic tone.

Skåda ljuset!

Satzmuster

Jag betraktar [person] som [noun].

Jag betraktar henne som min syster.

[Noun] betraktas som [adjective].

Bilen betraktas som gammal.

Man bör betrakta [noun] ur [adjective] perspektiv.

Man bör betrakta frågan ur ett globalt perspektiv.

Vi betraktar [noun] som [noun phrase].

Vi betraktar detta som en stor möjlighet.

Vid närmare betraktelse visar det sig att...

Vid närmare betraktelse visar det sig att planen inte fungerar.

[Subject] betraktas allmänt som [superlative].

Han betraktas allmänt som den bäste.

Det är ett fenomen som bör betraktas i ljuset av...

Det är ett fenomen som bör betraktas i ljuset av historien.

Att betrakta [noun] med [noun] blick.

Att betrakta tillvaron med en filosofisk blick.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

betraktare observer/beholder

betraktelse reflection/meditation/observation (written or mental)

betraktelsesätt way of viewing things/perspective

Verben

betrakta to regard/view

Adjektive

betraktad regarded/viewed (past participle)

Verwandt

titta

iaktta

anse

skåda

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in written Swedish, moderately common in formal spoken Swedish.

Häufige Fehler

Jag betraktar honom min vän. → Jag betraktar honom som min vän.
In Swedish, you must use 'som' to link the object to its description.
Jag betraktar på TV. → Jag tittar på TV.
'Betrakta' is for focused observation, not for watching media.
Det betraktar som en succé. → Det betraktas som en succé.
You need the passive 's' if the subject is being regarded by others.
Han betraktade snabbt klockan. → Han tittade snabbt på klockan.
'Betrakta' implies a long, slow look, not a quick glance.
Jag betraktar att det är sant. → Jag anser att det är sant.
'Betrakta' is not followed by 'att'. Use 'anse' for 'I consider that...'.

Tipps

The 'Som' Rule

Always pair 'betrakta' with 'som' when defining a role or quality. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.

Elevate Your Writing

Use 'betraktas som' in your Swedish B2/C1 essays to introduce common opinions instead of always saying 'folk tycker'.

Look vs. Regard

If you are looking with your eyes, it's physical. If you are looking with your mind, it's conceptual. 'Betrakta' does both.

Stress the Middle

Put the emphasis on 'TRAK'. Say: be-TRAK-ta. This makes you sound much more native.

Art and Nature

Use this word when you're in nature or a museum. It perfectly describes the act of appreciating beauty.

News Language

When you hear 'betraktas' on the news, it usually refers to a consensus or a legal status.

Not for TV

Never use 'betrakta' for watching a movie or TV. It's for looking at objects or concepts.

Perspectives

Learn the phrase 'betrakta ur ett perspektiv'. It's a gold mine for passing Swedish language exams.

Beholder's Eye

The phrase 'i betraktarens öga' is identical to the English 'in the eye of the beholder'.

Formal Situations

Save 'betrakta' for when you want to sound professional, thoughtful, or artistic.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'Tractor'. A tractor moves slowly and methodically. When you 'be-trakta', you look at something slowly and methodically, like a tractor moving across a field.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person standing in an art gallery with their hand on their chin, staring intensely at a painting. They aren't just looking; they are 'betraktar-ing'.

Word Web

betraktare perspektiv anse som blick titta iaktta analysera

Herausforderung

Try to use 'betrakta som' three times today: once for a friend, once for a task, and once for a piece of news you read.

Wortherkunft

From Middle Low German 'betrachten'. The prefix 'be-' is a common Germanic prefix indicating that the action is directed at something, and 'trakta' comes from 'trachten', meaning to strive or look after.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To look at closely, to strive for, or to consider.

Germanic (borrowed from Low German into Swedish).

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities, but using 'betrakta' about a person can sometimes feel a bit objectifying if used purely physically, as if they are an exhibit in a museum.

English speakers often use 'consider' for everything. Swedes split this into 'betrakta' (view as) and 'överväga' (think about doing).

The phrase 'Skönheten ligger i betraktarens öga' (Beauty is in the eye of the beholder). Ingmar Bergman's cinematic style of long, observational shots. Sören Kierkegaard's (Danish but influential in Sweden) philosophical reflections.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Art Gallery

Betrakta tavlan
En tyst betraktelse
Betraktarens öga
Beskåda konstverket

Academic Writing

Betrakta ur ett perspektiv
Betraktas som bevis
Låt oss betrakta
Ett kritiskt betraktelsesätt

Legal/News

Betraktas som misstänkt
Betraktas som ett brott
Betraktas som avslutad
Betraktas som ogiltig

Relationships

Betrakta som en vän
Betrakta som familj
Betrakta som en förebild
Betrakta som luft

Nature/Science

Betrakta stjärnorna
Betrakta med mikroskop
Betrakta beteendet
Betrakta naturen

Gesprächseinstiege

"Betraktar du dig själv som en optimist eller en pessimist?"

"Vilken svensk tradition betraktar du som den viktigaste?"

"Betraktar du Stockholm som en vacker stad?"

"Vem betraktar du som din största förebild i livet?"

"Betraktar du teknik som något bra eller dåligt för samhället?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Skriv om en person som du betraktar som en hjälte och förklara varför.

Betrakta ditt liv för fem år sedan. Hur har du förändrats sedan dess?

Vilka egenskaper betraktar du som de viktigaste hos en vän?

Betrakta din favoritplats i världen. Beskriv den i detalj.

Hur betraktas din hemstad av människor som inte bor där?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, but only if you mean 'to look at physically.' If you mean 'to consider as,' you must use 'som.' Example: 'Hon betraktade tavlan' (She looked at the painting) vs 'Hon betraktade honom som en vän' (She regarded him as a friend).

It's less common than 'titta' or 'tycka.' You'll hear it when people want to be precise or serious. It's very common in work meetings and news.

'Anse' is followed by 'att' (Jag anser att...). 'Betrakta' is followed by an object and 'som' (Jag betraktar det som...). 'Anse' is about your internal thought; 'betrakta' is about how you frame or view the object.

It is a regular Group 1 verb: betrakta (infinitive), betraktar (present), betraktade (past), betraktat (supine).

It is the passive form, meaning 'is regarded' or 'is considered.' It's very useful for stating general facts: 'Det betraktas som farligt' (It is regarded as dangerous).

No, for that you use 'titta på TV' or 'se på TV.' 'Betrakta' is too intense for watching television.

Yes, 'betraktelse' is the noun form, meaning an observation or a short reflective text/sermon.

No. For 'Kind regards' in letters, use 'Vänliga hälsningar.' 'Betrakta' is only the verb 'to regard'.

No, it is neutral. You can betrakta something as a masterpiece or as a disaster.

Yes, scientists 'betraktar' data or specimens when they are analyzing their characteristics.

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