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B2 noun 8 min read

resurs

Examples Notes & Tips resurs in 30 Seconds
Explanation resurs in your Level:
At the A1 level, you might not use the word 'resurs' frequently, as it is a bit abstract. However, you can think of it as 'something that helps'. For example, if you have a book to help you learn Swedish, that book is a resource. At this stage, just remember that it is a 'thing' (en resurs) and it is usually good to have. You might hear it in very simple sentences about money or help in school. It is pronounced similarly to the English word, which helps you remember it. Focus on the idea that 'resurs' = 'help/asset'.
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At the A2 level, you start to see 'resurs' in contexts like school or work. You might learn that a 'resurs' can be a person who helps you. For example, 'Min lärare är en bra resurs' (My teacher is a good resource). You should also begin to recognize the plural form 'resurser'. You might encounter it in simple news texts about the environment, specifically 'naturresurser' (natural resources). The key for A2 is to understand that it's a noun that describes something useful you can use to finish a task.
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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'resurs' in more varied sentences. You will understand it in the context of 'ekonomi' (economy) and 'samhälle' (society). You can talk about 'tid som en resurs' (time as a resource) or 'pengar som en resurs'. You should also be comfortable with common compound words like 'resursbrist' (lack of resources). At this level, you are expected to understand that 'resurser' are often limited and need to be managed. You might use it when writing a simple essay about how to save the environment or improve a workplace.
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At the B2 level, which is the level for this word, you are expected to use 'resurs' with nuance. You should understand collocations like 'mänskliga resurser' (human resources) and 'resursfördelning' (resource allocation). You can use it in professional discussions to argue for more funding or better planning. You should also recognize the difference between 'resurs' and synonyms like 'tillgång' or 'medel'. At B2, you should be able to discuss complex topics like 'globala resurser' and 'hållbar resursanvändning' (sustainable resource use) fluently in both speech and writing.
At the C1 level, you use 'resurs' in highly formal and academic contexts. You understand its implications in political science, economics, and sociology. You can discuss 'resursstarka grupper' (resource-rich groups) versus marginalized ones. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and can use the word metaphorically to describe intellectual or emotional assets. You also understand the subtle stylistic differences between using 'resurs' and more specific technical terms. Your usage is precise, and you can handle the word in complex grammatical structures, including long compound words.
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At the C2 level, 'resurs' is a tool you use with total mastery. You can use it in rhetorical ways to emphasize a point in a speech or a high-level academic paper. You understand the historical etymology and how the word has evolved in Swedish discourse. You can identify and use very specific technical compounds (e.g., 'resursallokeringsmekanismer'). You have a native-like feel for when 'resurs' is the most appropriate word versus a more poetic or archaic synonym. Your understanding of the word is integrated into a deep knowledge of Swedish culture and professional life.
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Examples Notes & Tips

resurs in 30 Seconds

  • Resurs means 'resource' and refers to any asset, supply, or quality used to achieve a goal.
  • It is a common gender noun (en resurs) with the plural form 'resurser'.
  • It is used in economic, environmental, and personal contexts (e.g., natural resources, human resources).
  • Common compounds include 'resursbrist' (shortage) and 'resursslöseri' (waste of resources).

The Swedish word resurs is a fundamental noun that translates directly to 'resource' in English. At its core, it refers to an asset, supply, or quality that can be drawn upon by a person or organization in order to function effectively or achieve a specific goal. In the Swedish language, this word carries a broad semantic range, covering everything from natural minerals and financial wealth to human talent and emotional strength. Understanding 'resurs' is essential for B2 learners because it appears frequently in academic, professional, and political contexts. It is a common gender noun (en-word), and its plural form is 'resurser'.

Economic Context
In business and economics, 'resurs' refers to the inputs used in the production of goods and services. This includes capital (kapital), labor (arbetskraft), and raw materials (råvaror). Swedes often discuss 'resursfördelning' (resource allocation) when debating government budgets or corporate strategies.
Environmental Context
When discussing the environment, 'naturresurser' (natural resources) is the standard term. This encompasses forests, water, minerals, and energy sources. In the context of sustainability, you will often hear about 'resurseffektivitet' (resource efficiency), which is the practice of using resources in a sustainable manner while minimizing environmental impact.

Vi måste lära oss att använda våra gemensamma resurser på ett mer hållbart sätt för framtida generationer.

Beyond physical assets, 'resurs' is also used metaphorically to describe a person's inner strengths or a community's social capital. For instance, a person with great patience and knowledge might be described as a 'stor resurs för teamet' (a great resource for the team). This highlights the positive connotation of the word; being a resource implies value, utility, and capability. In Swedish schools, 'resurspedagog' or 'resursperson' refers to specialized staff who provide extra support to students, further emphasizing the word's connection to support and assistance.

Human Resources
While 'HR' is commonly used in Swedish offices today, the term 'personella resurser' is still used in formal documents to describe the workforce. It emphasizes the human element as a vital asset to be managed and nurtured.

Företaget har inte tillräckliga resurser för att genomföra projektet just nu.

Using 'resurs' correctly in Swedish requires attention to its grammatical gender (en-word) and its pluralization. Because it is a count noun, you will often see it in the plural form 'resurser' when referring to a general pool of assets. Let's look at the different ways this word manifests in everyday and professional Swedish. It is frequently paired with verbs like 'utnyttja' (utilize), 'slösa' (waste), and 'fördela' (distribute).

As a Subject
When 'resurs' acts as the subject, it often describes the availability or impact of an asset. Example: 'Resursen var avgörande för segern' (The resource was decisive for the victory).
As an Object
As an object, it follows verbs of management. Example: 'Vi måste maximera våra resurser' (We must maximize our resources).

Det är viktigt att vi inte slösar med våra begränsade resurser.

In Swedish, compound words are extremely common. 'Resurs' serves as a prefix in many terms that specify the type of resource being discussed. For example, 'resursbrist' (resource shortage) is a common term in healthcare and social services. 'Resursstark' (resource-strong) describes a person or group with significant means, whether financial or intellectual. Conversely, 'resurssvag' (resource-weak) is used to describe those who lack these means.

Han är en stor resurs för vår förening tack vare sin erfarenhet.

Finally, consider the prepositional usage. We often use 'resurser för' (resources for) or 'resurser till' (resources to). For example: 'Regeringen har avsatt resurser till polisen' (The government has allocated resources to the police). This structure is vital for B2 learners to master as it allows for more complex sentence construction in formal writing.

The word 'resurs' is ubiquitous in Swedish society, but its frequency peaks in specific environments. If you listen to Swedish news (Sveriges Radio or SVT), you will hear it almost daily in reports regarding the economy, climate change, or public welfare. Politicians often argue about how 'resurser' should be divided between healthcare, education, and defense. In these contexts, 'resurs' is a serious word, carrying the weight of societal priorities.

The Workplace
In meetings, you'll hear managers talk about 'resursplanering' (resource planning). They might say, 'Vi har inte resurserna för det här projektet just nu,' which is a polite way of saying there isn't enough money or staff.
Education
In schools, teachers and parents discuss 'resurser' in terms of support for children with special needs. A 'resurs' can literally be a person who sits next to a student to help them focus.

Kommunen måste satsa mer resurser på skolan.

You will also encounter 'resurs' in digital contexts. Software developers talk about 'systemresurser' (system resources) like RAM and CPU usage. If your computer is slow, a Swede might say, 'Programmet tar för mycket resurser' (The program is taking too many resources). This technical usage mirrors the English 'resource' perfectly, making it an easy bridge for English speakers.

Vi behöver se över våra resurser innan vi fattar ett beslut.

In creative fields, 'resurs' might refer to a library of assets. A graphic designer might talk about their 'bildresurser' (image resources). Regardless of the field, the word always points back to the idea of a 'well' from which one can draw to create or maintain something.

While 'resurs' is a cognate of 'resource', learners often stumble over its pluralization and its use in compound words. The most frequent error is using the wrong plural ending. Because it ends in '-s', some learners try to apply English plural rules or use '-ar' instead of the correct '-er'. Remember: one resurs, many resurser.

Pluralization Error
Incorrect: 'Många resursar'. Correct: 'Många resurser'. The '-er' ending is standard for this group of nouns.
Preposition Confusion
Learners often use 'av' (of) when they should use 'för' or 'till'. While 'en resurs av' can be used in specific contexts (like 'en resurs av guld'), it is much more common to say 'resurser för utveckling' (resources for development).

Fel: Vi har inte resursen (singular) för det. Rätt: Vi har inte resurserna (plural definite) för det.

Another mistake involves the distinction between 'resurs' and 'källa' (source). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. A 'källa' is where something originates (like a 'informationskälla'), whereas a 'resurs' is the asset itself that you use. You use a resource to do work; you go to a source to get information or water.

Många blandar ihop resurs med tillgång (asset). Även om de är lika, är en resurs ofta något som förbrukas eller används aktivt.

Finally, watch out for the definite form in compounds. In Swedish, we say 'resursbrist' (resource shortage), not 'resursenbrist'. The base form of the noun is used when building these long Swedish words.

To enrich your Swedish vocabulary, it is helpful to know words that are similar to 'resurs' but carry different nuances. Swedish has several terms for assets and supplies, and choosing the right one will make your Swedish sound more natural and precise.

Tillgång (Asset/Access)
'Tillgång' is often used for financial assets or 'access' to something. While a 'resurs' is something you use, a 'tillgång' is something you possess or have the right to use. Example: 'Företagets tillgångar' (The company's assets).
Medel (Means/Funds)
'Medel' specifically refers to financial means or the tools/methods used to achieve something. If you are talking specifically about money provided for a project, 'medel' or 'anslag' is often more precise than 'resurs'.

Vi har tillgång till många resurser, men vi saknar de ekonomiska medlen.

Another alternative is 'kapacitet' (capacity). While 'resurs' refers to the thing you have, 'kapacitet' refers to the ability to do something with those resources. For example, a hospital might have the 'resurser' (beds and staff) but lack the 'kapacitet' to handle a sudden influx of patients due to organizational issues.

Naturens rikedomar (riches) är en annan poetisk synonym för naturresurser.

In a more informal or specific setting, you might use 'hjälpmedel' (aid/tool), especially when referring to physical objects that help someone perform a task, like a wheelchair or a specific software tool. Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate Swedish professional life with confidence.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The Swedish word was adopted in the 17th century, initially used in military and financial contexts before broadening to its modern general usage.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /rɛˈsʉːʂ/
US /rɛˈsuːrs/
The stress is on the second syllable: re-SURS.
Rhymes With
kurs diskurs regress process succé entré reflex komplex
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'u' like the English 'u' in 'bus'. It should be more like 'ooo'.
  • Stress on the first syllable. Correct: re-SURS.
  • Forgetting the retroflex 'rs' sound.
  • Pronouncing 'resurser' with only two syllables.
  • Misplacing the stress in the plural form.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because it is a cognate of the English word.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of Swedish plural endings (-er).

Speaking 3/5

The retroflex 'rs' sound can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation in standard Swedish.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

hjälp pengar viktig använda ha

Learn Next

tillgång kapital effektivitet fördelning hållbarhet

Advanced

allokering ändlighet beskaffenhet hushålla exploatering

Grammar to Know

Plural of nouns ending in -urs

Resurs -> Resurser (Group 3 nouns).

Compound word formation

Natur + Resurs = Naturresurs.

Retroflex pronunciation of 'rs'

In 'resurs', the 'r' and 's' blend together.

Definite plural forms

Resurser -> Resurserna.

Adjective agreement with common gender nouns

En viktig resurs, den viktiga resursen.

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Examples by Level

1

Vi har en resurs.

We have a resource.

Simple indefinite singular noun.

2

Är det en bra resurs?

Is it a good resource?

Using an adjective with the noun.

3

Jag behöver en resurs.

I need a resource.

Direct object of the verb 'behöver'.

4

Här är din resurs.

Here is your resource.

Possessive pronoun with noun.

5

En resurs hjälper mig.

A resource helps me.

Noun as a subject.

6

Tack för denna resurs.

Thanks for this resource.

Demonstrative pronoun.

7

Det är min resurs.

It is my resource.

Possessive pronoun.

8

Vi ser en resurs.

We see a resource.

Simple present tense.

1

Skolan har många resurser.

The school has many resources.

Plural indefinite form 'resurser'.

2

Vatten är en viktig resurs.

Water is an important resource.

Predicate nominative.

3

De använder sina resurser väl.

They use their resources well.

Possessive reflexive pronoun 'sina'.

4

Har vi tillräckligt med resurser?

Do we have enough resources?

Quantifier 'tillräckligt med'.

5

Han är en resurs för klassen.

He is a resource for the class.

Prepositional phrase 'för klassen'.

6

Boken är en bra resurs för att lära sig svenska.

The book is a good resource for learning Swedish.

Infinitive phrase following the noun.

7

Vi sparar på våra resurser.

We save on our resources.

Verb 'sparar på' meaning to save/conserve.

8

Det finns inga resurser kvar.

There are no resources left.

Negative quantifier 'inga'.

1

Vi måste fördela våra resurser rättvist.

We must distribute our resources fairly.

Adverb 'rättvist' modifying the verb.

2

Företaget lider av resursbrist.

The company is suffering from a resource shortage.

Compound noun 'resursbrist'.

3

Tid är vår mest värdefulla resurs.

Time is our most valuable resource.

Superlative adjective 'mest värdefulla'.

4

Kommunen satsar resurser på idrott.

The municipality is putting resources into sports.

Verb 'satsar' often goes with 'på'.

5

Naturens resurser är inte oändliga.

Nature's resources are not infinite.

Genitive 'Naturens'.

6

Projektet kräver stora resurser.

The project requires large resources.

Verb 'kräver' (requires).

7

Vi har begränsade resurser i år.

We have limited resources this year.

Past participle 'begränsade' used as an adjective.

8

Hur kan vi utnyttja våra resurser bättre?

How can we utilize our resources better?

Interrogative sentence with 'utnyttja'.

1

Det krävs en effektiv resursanvändning för att lyckas.

Efficient resource use is required to succeed.

Passive voice 'det krävs'.

2

Personalen är vår främsta resurs.

The staff is our primary resource.

Definite singular 'Personalen'.

3

Vi måste ta hänsyn till tillgängliga resurser.

We must take available resources into account.

Idiom 'ta hänsyn till'.

4

Denna resurs är oumbärlig för vår forskning.

This resource is indispensable for our research.

Adjective 'oumbärlig' (indispensable).

5

Länder krigar ofta om naturresurser.

Countries often fight over natural resources.

Preposition 'om' (about/over).

6

Han anses vara en stor resurs inom IT-sektorn.

He is considered to be a great resource within the IT sector.

Passive construction 'anses vara'.

7

Vi har optimerat våra resurser för maximal vinst.

We have optimized our resources for maximum profit.

Present perfect tense.

8

Resurserna bör fördelas efter behov.

The resources should be distributed according to need.

Modal verb 'bör' with passive 'fördelas'.

1

En ojämn resursfördelning kan leda till social oro.

An uneven distribution of resources can lead to social unrest.

Complex subject with compound noun.

2

Vi måste mobilisera alla tillgängliga resurser omedelbart.

We must mobilize all available resources immediately.

Strong verb 'mobilisera'.

3

Kritiker menar att resurserna slösas bort på onödig byråkrati.

Critics argue that resources are being wasted on unnecessary bureaucracy.

Subordinate clause starting with 'att'.

4

Det är en fråga om resursallokering på högsta nivå.

It is a matter of resource allocation at the highest level.

Formal compound 'resursallokering'.

5

Hennes intellektuella resurser är imponerande.

Her intellectual resources are impressive.

Abstract use of the word.

6

Resursutnyttjandet har nått sin kulmen.

Resource utilization has reached its peak.

Definite compound noun as subject.

7

Man bör beakta de personella resurserna i kalkylen.

One should consider the human resources in the calculation.

Formal pronoun 'man' and verb 'beakta'.

8

De ekonomiska resurserna är hårt ansträngda.

The financial resources are severely strained.

Adverbial phrase 'hårt ansträngda'.

1

Att hushålla med knappa resurser är en dygd i kristider.

Conserving scarce resources is a virtue in times of crisis.

Infinitive phrase as subject.

2

Diskussionen kretsade kring resursers ändlighet.

The discussion revolved around the finiteness of resources.

Abstract noun 'ändlighet' (finiteness).

3

Vi står inför en resursmässig utmaning utan motstycke.

We are facing a resource-related challenge without precedent.

Adjective 'resursmässig' and idiom 'utan motstycke'.

4

Resursernas beskaffenhet avgör strategins utformning.

The nature of the resources determines the design of the strategy.

Genitive plural definite 'Resursernas'.

5

Det föreligger en fundamental diskrepans i hur resurserna värderas.

There is a fundamental discrepancy in how the resources are valued.

Formal verb 'föreligger' and noun 'diskrepans'.

6

Genom att optimera resursflödet kan vi minimera svinn.

By optimizing the resource flow, we can minimize waste.

Prepositional phrase with 'Genom att'.

7

Resurstillgången har blivit en geopolitisk maktfaktor.

Resource availability has become a geopolitical power factor.

Triple compound noun 'Resurstillgången'.

8

En holistisk syn på resurser krävs för långsiktig överlevnad.

A holistic view of resources is required for long-term survival.

Adjective 'holistisk'.

Common Collocations

begränsade resurser
ekonomiska resurser
mänskliga resurser
naturresurser
utnyttja resurser
fördela resurser
resursstark
slösa med resurser
tillgängliga resurser
personella resurser

Common Phrases

en stor resurs

— Someone or something that is very helpful.

Hon är en stor resurs för vårt lag.

i brist på resurser

— Due to a lack of resources.

I brist på resurser fick vi ställa in resan.

resurser till förfogande

— Resources available for use.

Vi har alla resurser till förfogande.

ekonomiska resurser saknas

— There is no money available.

Tyvärr saknas ekonomiska resurser för detta.

en outnyttjad resurs

— A resource that is not being used.

Vinden är en outnyttjad resurs i området.

slösa resurser på något

— To waste resources on something.

Slösa inte resurser på småsaker.

resurser för framtiden

— Assets saved for later use.

Vi måste spara resurser för framtiden.

gemensamma resurser

— Shared resources.

Vi måste vårda våra gemensamma resurser.

en viktig resurs

— A vital asset.

Kunskap är en viktig resurs.

resursernas fördelning

— The distribution of resources.

Resursernas fördelning debatterades flitigt.

Idioms & Expressions

"att sitta på stora resurser"

— To possess a lot of wealth or power.

Företaget sitter på stora resurser.

informal/neutral
"att vara en resurs i sig"

— To be inherently valuable without needing extra tools.

Din erfarenhet är en resurs i sig.

neutral
"att tömma sina resurser"

— To use up everything one has (energy, money, etc.).

Maratonlöparen tömde alla sina resurser.

neutral
"att hushålla med resurserna"

— To be careful and not waste what you have.

Vi måste hushålla med resurserna i vinter.

neutral
"en resursfråga"

— A problem that can be solved with more money or people.

Det är främst en resursfråga.

professional
"att mobilisera resurser"

— To gather everything needed to solve a crisis.

Hela staden mobiliserade sina resurser efter branden.

formal
"att vara resursstark"

— To have high social or economic status.

De är en resursstark grupp i samhället.

sociological
"resursbristens ansikte"

— The visible negative effects of not having enough.

Långa köer är resursbristens ansikte.

journalistic
"att kasta resurser i sjön"

— To completely waste resources (similar to 'throwing money down the drain').

Det projektet var som att kasta resurser i sjön.

informal
"en resurs för livet"

— Something (like education) that helps you forever.

En bra utbildning är en resurs för livet.

inspirational

Sentence Patterns

A1

Jag har en [resurs].

Jag har en resurs.

A2

Vi behöver fler [resurser].

Vi behöver fler resurser.

B1

Det är en viktig [resurs] för [oss].

Word Family

Nouns

resursbrist
resursfördelning
resursallokering
naturresurs
systemresurs

Verbs

resurssätta (to provide with resources)

Adjectives

resursstark
resurssvag
resurseffektiv
resurskrävande

Related

tillgång
medel
kapital
kapacitet
råvara
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Source' that 'Re-appears'. RE-SOURCE = RE-SURS. It is the supply you go back to when you need help.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant battery charging a city. The battery is the 'resurs' that keeps everything running.

Word Web

Pengar Tid Vatten Personal Kunskap Skog Energi Hjälp

Challenge

Try to name three different 'resurser' you have used today (e.g., your phone, your time, your coffee).

Word Origin

The word 'resurs' comes from the French 'ressource', which in turn stems from the Old French 'resourdre', meaning 'to rise again' or 'to recover'.

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to a means of recovery or a source of help in a difficult situation.

Indo-European (via Latin 'resurgere': re- 'again' + surgere 'to rise').

Cultural Context

When discussing 'resurssvaga' groups, be careful to remain objective and empathetic, as it can be a sensitive socio-economic topic.

In English, 'resource' can sometimes sound a bit cold when applied to people, but in Swedish 'resurs' is a very standard and positive way to describe a helpful colleague.

Sveriges naturresurser (a common topic in Swedish geography) Resurs Bank (a well-known Swedish bank) Agenda 2030 (global goals for resource management)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business

  • mänskliga resurser
  • resursoptimering
  • ekonomiska resurser
  • resursplanering

Environment

  • naturresurser
  • förnybara resurser
  • resursutnyttjande
  • jordens resurser

Education

  • resurspedagog
  • pedagogiska resurser
  • extra resurser
  • resursperson

IT/Technology

  • systemresurser
  • hårdvaruresurser
  • resurskrävande program
  • dela resurser

Politics

  • resursfördelning
  • offentliga resurser
  • gemensamma resurser
  • resursbrist

Conversation Starters

"Vilken är din mest värdefulla resurs i vardagen?"

"Tycker du att vi slösar för mycket med jordens resurser?"

"Hur kan skolan få mer resurser för att hjälpa eleverna?"

"Är du en person som är bra på att hushålla med dina resurser?"

"Vilka resurser behövs för att starta ett eget företag?"

Journal Prompts

Skriv om en gång när du hade för lite resurser för att klara en uppgift.

Reflektera över hur du kan använda dina personliga resurser bättre i år.

Beskriv en naturresurs som är viktig för ditt hemland.

Hur skulle samhället se ut om alla resurser fördelades helt lika?

Planera ett projekt och lista alla resurser som krävs för att lyckas.

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