B2 noun Neutre 2 min de lecture

medborgare

/ˈmeːdbɔrˌja.re/

Overview

The Swedish word 'medborgare' (pronounced approximately med-BOR-gah-reh) directly translates to 'citizen' in English. It's a compound word formed from 'med' (with/co-) and 'borgare' (burgher/townsman/citizen), reflecting a historical understanding of citizenship tied to urban centers and their inhabitants. Today, it encompasses a broader legal and societal meaning, referring to a legally recognized subject of a state.

In the Swedish context, being a 'medborgare' implies a specific set of rights, responsibilities, and protections within the nation of Sweden. These include the right to vote in national elections, the right to hold public office, and the protection of Swedish law both domestically and internationally. Swedish citizens are also generally expected to adhere to Swedish laws and contribute to society, though there are no explicit civic duties like mandatory military service for all citizens as there might be in some other countries.

The acquisition of Swedish citizenship can occur through several avenues: birth, descent (if one or both parents are Swedish citizens), marriage (under certain conditions and after a period of residency), or naturalization. Naturalization is the most common path for non-Swedes, requiring a period of legal residency, good conduct, and often a demonstration of sufficient knowledge of Swedish society and language, although the latter is not always a strict requirement depending on individual circumstances.

The concept of 'medborgarskap' (citizenship) is central to Swedish society and its political system. It underpins the democratic process, social welfare model, and national identity. Discussions around 'medborgare' often involve topics such as immigration, integration, and the evolving nature of national belonging in a multicultural society. The term also carries a sense of shared community and solidarity within the nation, emphasizing collective responsibility and participation in public life. It's a word that evokes both legal status and a deeper sense of belonging and engagement with the Swedish state and its people.

Exemples

1

Alla svenska medborgare har rätt att rösta i allmänna val.

Describes the rights of citizens in a democratic context.

All Swedish citizens have the right to vote in general elections.

2

Som medborgare är det viktigt att engagera sig i samhället.

Emphasizes civic duty and participation.

As a citizen, it is important to engage in society.

3

Han blev medborgare efter flera år i landet.

Refers to the process of acquiring citizenship.

He became a citizen after several years in the country.

4

En europeisk medborgare kan resa fritt mellan EU-länder.

Illustrates the benefits of citizenship within a union of states.

A European citizen can travel freely between EU countries.

5

Många medborgare uttryckte sitt missnöje med beslutet.

Shows collective public opinion or reaction.

Many citizens expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision.

Collocations courantes

svensk medborgare
amerikansk medborgare
EU-medborgare
statsmedborgare

Souvent confondu avec

medborgare vs medborgarskap
Refers to citizenship, the state of being a citizen, rather than the citizen themselves.
medborgare vs invånare
Means 'inhabitant' or 'resident,' which can refer to anyone living in a place, regardless of their legal status as a citizen.
medborgare vs samhällsmedlem
Means 'member of society,' a broader term that doesn't necessarily imply legal citizenship.

Modèles grammaticaux

En medborgare (a citizen - singular indefinite) Medborgaren (the citizen - singular definite) Medborgare (citizens - plural indefinite) Medborgarna (the citizens - plural definite)

Comment l'utiliser

Notes d'usage

The term 'medborgare' is a formal and standard term for 'citizen' in Swedish. It is used broadly in legal, political, and journalistic contexts. While 'invånare' (inhabitant, resident) can be used to refer to anyone living in a particular place, 'medborgare' specifically denotes someone with citizenship status. When discussing rights and responsibilities tied to nationality, 'medborgare' is the appropriate term. For example, 'Svenska medborgare har rösträtt' (Swedish citizens have the right to vote). It can also be used in compounds like 'världsmedborgare' (global citizen). The plural form is 'medborgare' (the same as the singular). When referring to individuals, it is generally used without a definite article, e.g., 'en medborgare' (a citizen). However, in general statements, it can be used with a definite article or in a collective sense, such. as 'medborgarna' (the citizens). The term carries a neutral to positive connotation, emphasizing legal status and communal participation.


Erreurs courantes

A common mistake might be confusing 'medborgare' with 'invånare' (inhabitant). While an 'invånare' simply lives in a place, a 'medborgare' holds specific legal rights and responsibilities as a citizen of a country. Another error could be mispronouncing the 'g' as a hard 'g' sound, when in this context it's often softer, almost like a 'y' sound, or silent depending on dialect and speed of speech. Also, forgetting that it's a common gender word, meaning it doesn't change for male or female citizens.

Astuces

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Grammar Note

The word 'medborgare' is an 'en'-word (common gender) and has the same form in both the indefinite singular and indefinite plural. The definite singular is 'medborgaren' and the definite plural is 'medborgarna'.
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Common Misconception

While 'invånare' (inhabitant) can sometimes be used interchangeably, 'medborgare' specifically implies legal citizenship with associated rights and responsibilities, whereas 'invånare' simply refers to someone living in a particular place.
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Usage in Context

'Medborgare' is often used in formal or legal contexts, such as 'medborgarskapsansökan' (citizenship application) or 'medborgerlig plikt' (civic duty). It emphasizes the legal bond between an individual and a state.

Origine du mot

The Swedish word 'medborgare' is a compound word formed from 'med' (with, together) and 'borgare' (citizen, burgher). The term 'borgare' itself has a rich history, stemming from 'borg' (fortress, castle, town), indicating someone who lived within a fortified town and thus enjoyed certain rights and responsibilities. This concept of a 'borgare' as a town inhabitant with specific legal standing dates back to medieval times in many European languages, including German (Bürger) and Dutch (burger). The prefix 'med-' emphasizes the shared status or collective nature of being a citizen, implying a member of a community or state. Therefore, 'medborgare' literally translates to someone who is 'with the town/fortress dwellers' or 'co-citizen', highlighting the shared legal and social status within a political entity. The term evolved to specifically denote a legally recognized subject or national of a state, reflecting the development of modern nation-states and the concept of citizenship as a formal legal relationship between an individual and a country. The term encompasses both the rights and duties associated with being a member of a state. Its evolution mirrors the broader historical trajectory of societal organization from local urban centers to national governance structures.

Contexte culturel

The Swedish word 'medborgare' directly translates to 'citizen' and carries significant cultural weight within the context of Swedish society, which emphasizes social equality, collective responsibility, and a strong welfare state. Being a 'medborgare' implies not just legal status but also a sense of belonging and participation in the community. Swedish society often highlights the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship, including the right to vote, access to public services like healthcare and education, and the expectation to contribute to society's well-being through taxes and civic engagement. Discussions around integration and immigration frequently revolve around the concept of becoming a 'fullvärdig medborgare' (a full-fledged citizen), encompassing not just legal residency but also cultural and social assimilation. The term is central to political discourse, discussions about national identity, and the understanding of who belongs and how one participates in the Swedish collective.

Astuce mémo

Visualize a 'med' (with) 'borg' (castle/city) 'are' (people). So, people associated 'with' a 'city' or state, hence 'citizen'.

Questions fréquentes

4 questions
'Medborgare' in Swedish directly translates to 'citizen' in English. It refers to a person who is a legally recognized subject of a state, either by birth, naturalization, or some other legal means. This status typically grants the individual certain rights, such as voting, and also imposes certain duties, like obeying the law. The concept of 'medborgare' is fundamental to a nation's legal and social structure, defining who belongs to the political community and enjoys its protections and privileges. It can encompass a wide range of legal and social implications depending on the specific laws of the country in question.
Becoming a 'medborgare' (citizen) in Sweden can happen through several paths. The most common ways are by birth if one or both parents are Swedish citizens, or by naturalization for foreign nationals. Naturalization typically requires fulfilling certain criteria, such as having lived in Sweden for a specified period (usually five years), demonstrating good conduct, and having an identifiable identity. There are also provisions for individuals who have lived in Sweden for a shorter period under specific circumstances, such as being married to a Swedish citizen. The process is handled by the Swedish Migration Agency.
As a 'medborgare' (citizen) in Sweden, individuals are granted several fundamental rights and also assume certain responsibilities. Key rights include the right to vote in general elections, the right to hold public office, and the right to enter and leave Sweden freely. Swedish citizens are also protected by Swedish law and consular services abroad. Responsibilities generally include obeying Swedish laws, contributing to society, and potentially participating in national defense, although conscription is currently only applied to a small number of individuals. These rights and responsibilities are enshrined in the Swedish constitution and other laws.
In a legal sense, there are not different types of 'medborgare' (citizens) in Sweden; all Swedish citizens hold the same legal status with the same rights and responsibilities, regardless of how they acquired their citizenship (e.g., by birth or naturalization). However, one might informally distinguish between native-born citizens and naturalized citizens in everyday conversation, but legally, their status is identical. The Swedish legal framework aims for equality among all its citizens, ensuring that everyone enjoys the same fundamental rights and obligations within the state.

Teste-toi

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En ____ har rättigheter och skyldigheter i sitt land.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
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Varje ____ bidrar till samhället på sitt sätt.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
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Som ____ kan du rösta i allmänna val.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Score : /3

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