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B2 noun Formal 4 min read

avseende

/ˈavˌseːndɛ/
Practice it Notes & Tips

Overview

The Swedish word 'avseende' is a versatile term that primarily functions as a preposition or part of a prepositional phrase, conveying a sense of 'regarding,' 'concerning,' 'with respect to,' or 'in terms of.' Its core meaning revolves around specifying the scope, object, or area to which a statement, action, or consideration applies.

Etymology and Core Meaning:

'Avseende' is derived from the verb 'avse,' which means 'to intend,' 'to aim at,' or 'to refer to.' This etymological connection highlights the idea of directing attention or thought towards something specific. Therefore, when you use 'avseende,' you are essentially indicating what something 'aims at' or 'is directed towards' in a conceptual sense.

Common Usages and Nuances:

  1. 1Regarding/Concerning (Prepositional Phrase - 'i avseende till' or 'med avseende på'): This is perhaps the most common usage. It introduces the subject or aspect that is being discussed. While 'i avseende till' and 'med avseende på' are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning, 'med avseende på' is generally more prevalent in contemporary Swedish. For example:
  • 'Med avseende på kvalitet, är produkten utmärkt.' (Regarding quality, the product is excellent.)
  • 'Jag har några frågor med avseende på den nya policyn.' (I have some questions concerning the new policy.)
  1. 1In Terms of/From the Perspective of (Prepositional Phrase - 'i avseende på'): Similar to the above, this usage emphasizes a particular viewpoint or category. It helps to narrow down the context of a statement.
  • 'Företaget har förbättrat sina resultat i avseende på hållbarhet.' (The company has improved its results in terms of sustainability.)
  • 'Det finns skillnader i avseende på kultur mellan länderna.' (There are differences in terms of culture between the countries.)
  1. 1With Regard to (Often used with 'vad' - 'vad avser'): When used with 'vad' (what), 'vad avser' functions as a more formal way of saying 'as for what concerns' or 'regarding what.'
  • 'Vad avser framtiden, är jag optimistisk.' (As for the future, I am optimistic.)
  1. 1As a Noun (less common): While primarily used prepositionally, 'avseende' can occasionally appear as a noun, meaning 'regard' or 'respect.' However, this is less frequent than its prepositional forms.
  • 'Visa avseende för äldre.' (Show respect for elders.) - In this context, 'avseende' functions more like 'respekt' (respect).

Formal vs. Informal:

'Avseende' tends to lend a slightly more formal or academic tone to a sentence compared to simpler alternatives like 'om' (about) or 'angående' (regarding). While 'angående' is a very common and direct synonym for 'regarding,' 'avseende' often implies a more nuanced or specific reference, especially in written communication or professional contexts.

Synonyms and Alternatives:

  • Angående: (regarding, concerning) - More common and direct.
  • Beträffande: (concerning, with respect to) - Similar formality to 'avseende.'
  • Rörande: (concerning, relating to) - Can be slightly less formal.
  • Gällande: (concerning, regarding) - Often used in legal or official contexts.
  • Om: (about, concerning) - The most general and informal option.

Examples in Context:

  • 'Mötet diskuterade nya strategier med avseende på marknadsföring.' (The meeting discussed new strategies with regard to marketing.)
  • 'Lagförslaget är kontroversiellt i avseende på dess inverkan på miljön.' (The bill is controversial in terms of its impact on the environment.)
  • 'Det är viktigt att beakta alla faktorer med avseende på beslutet.' (It is important to consider all factors concerning the decision.)

Understanding 'avseende' allows for more precise and formal communication in Swedish, enabling you to clearly delineate the specific aspects or topics being addressed.

Examples

1

I detta avseende skiljer sig Sverige från många andra länder.

When discussing a particular aspect or point of view.

In this regard, Sweden differs from many other countries.

2

Med avseende på säkerhet har vi gjort stora framsteg.

When introducing a specific area of consideration.

With respect to safety, we have made great progress.

3

Har du några frågor avseende den nya policyn?

When inquiring about something related to a specific topic.

Do you have any questions regarding the new policy?

4

Det finns inget att invända i avseende på kvalitet.

When making a statement about a specific attribute.

There is nothing to object to in terms of quality.

5

Avseende den saken har vi inte fattat något beslut ännu.

When referring back to a previously mentioned topic.

Regarding that matter, we have not made a decision yet.

Common Collocations

i detta avseende
i avseende på
med avseende på
ett avseende

Often Confused With

avseende vs w
80+ WORDS

Grammar Patterns

p1 p2 p3

How to Use It

Usage Notes

'Avseende' functions as a preposition or part of a prepositional phrase, most commonly meaning 'regarding,' 'concerning,' or 'with respect to.' It is often followed by a noun or a noun phrase. For instance, one might say 'avseende frågan' (regarding the question) or 'avseende det nya förslaget' (concerning the new proposal). It can also be used in conjunction with 'till' to form 'med avseende till' which carries a similar meaning. While interchangeable with simpler prepositions like 'om' (about) or 'angående' (regarding) in some contexts, 'avseende' often carries a slightly more formal and precise nuance. It is particularly useful when you want to emphasize that your statement is narrowly focused on a specific point or aspect, distinguishing it from other potential interpretations. Avoid using it in very informal settings, as it might sound overly formal or stiff to native speakers.

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes include confusing 'avseende' with 'angående' (regarding/concerning) or 'beträffande' (concerning/with respect to). While often interchangeable, 'avseende' tends to imply a more deliberate consideration or a specific aspect being focused on within a broader topic. It is also sometimes misused when a simpler preposition like 'för' (for) or 'om' (about) would be more appropriate. For example, instead of 'Jag har en fråga avseende detta,' one might say 'Jag har en fråga om detta' (I have a question about this). Pay attention to the nuanced difference in formality and specificity. 'Avseende' is often found in more formal or written contexts.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old Swedish 'avseende', which is a present participle of 'avse' (to intend, to regard). It shares roots with the Low German 'afsehn' and German 'absehen'. The core meaning evolved from 'looking away from' to 'looking towards' or 'regarding'. In its current form, it often functions as a preposition meaning 'regarding', 'concerning', or 'with respect to'.

Cultural Context

In Swedish culture, 'avseende' is a formal word often encountered in legal, academic, or administrative contexts. It conveys a sense of precision and specificity when referring to a particular aspect or consideration. While not typically used in casual conversation, its presence in formal discourse highlights a cultural value for clarity and exactitude in communication, especially when discussing nuanced subjects or making official statements. Its usage reflects a desire to ensure that the scope of a statement or discussion is clearly defined, avoiding ambiguity. This precision is often appreciated in Swedish professional environments where directness and clear communication are highly valued. It can also imply a certain level of gravitas or importance attached to the matter being referenced, indicating that it warrants careful consideration.

Memory Tip

Visualize 'avseende' as 'having a view on something,' which connects to 'regard' or 'respect' for that specific matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions
'Avseende' is a Swedish word that generally means 'regard' or 'respect' when referring to a specific matter, situation, or aspect. It's often used to introduce a clarification or a specific point of view related to a broader topic. It can also imply 'concerning' or 'with reference to,' helping to narrow down the focus of a statement.
'Avseende' is frequently used in formal or somewhat academic contexts to specify what a statement pertains to. For example, 'avseende denna fråga' would translate to 'regarding this question' or 'concerning this matter.' It acts as a prepositional phrase, often at the beginning of a clause, to clearly delineate the scope of the discussion.
Yes, there are several synonyms for 'avseende' depending on the context. Common alternatives include 'beträffande' (concerning, regarding), 'med hänsyn till' (with regard to, considering), 'angående' (concerning, about), and 'i fråga om' (in terms of, regarding). The choice often depends on the specific nuance one wishes to convey.
Certainly. A good example would be: 'Vi måste ta ett beslut avseende den nya budgeten.' This translates to 'We must make a decision regarding the new budget.' Here, 'avseende' clearly indicates that the decision is specifically about the budget, demonstrating its function in clarifying the subject of the action.

Test Yourself

fill blank

Med ______ (regarding) företagets ekonomi är det viktigt att vara noggrann.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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De nya reglerna har ett brett ______ (scope) som påverkar många sektorer.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
fill blank

Han visade stor skicklighet i ______ (respect) av problemlösning.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Score: /3

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