återlämna

Återlämna is a Swedish verb meaning to hand back something to its owner or rightful possessor. The term is used when an item that has been borrowed, lent, or placed in someone’s care is returned to the person or institution entitled to it. It can describe both the act of returning physical objects and the act of returning information or documents to a proper authority.

Usage and nuance: Återlämna emphasizes restoration to the original owner or rightful possessor and the completion of a return. It is commonly used with tangible objects such as keys, books, borrowed tools, or equipment, and also with documents or data that must be returned. Example: Jag återlämnade nycklarna till fastighetsförvaltaren; biblioteket kräver att lånaren återlämnar lånade böcker. In formal contexts, the term may apply to returning confidential information or records.

Forms and related terms: Återlämna is conjugated regularly: återlämnar (present), återlämnade (past), återlämnat (supine). Related nouns include återlämnande (the process of handing back) and återlämning (the act or instance of handing back). Synonyms or near-synonyms include lämna tillbaka, återlämna is often slightly more formal or precise in emphasizing restoration of ownership.

Etymology: The verb is formed from åter- meaning back or again and lämna meaning to leave, deliver, or hand over. The combined sense is “to hand back” to the original owner or rightful possessor.