Allmennyttig

Allmennyttig is an adjective in Swedish that describes something as beneficial for the general public or for the common good. It is used to characterize actions, organizations, or policies that aim to promote public welfare rather than private gain.

Etymology and scope: the term combines allmän, meaning public or general, with nyttig, meaning useful or beneficial. In translation, allmennyttig is often rendered as public-spirited, beneficial to society, or philanthropic. The concept can apply to charitable activities, but it emphasizes benefits to a broad audience, not just specific individuals.

Usage and contexts: allmennyttig appears in formal and semi-formal language, including descriptions of foundations, non-profit associations, municipal programs, and legislation whose purposes serve wide segments of society. It can describe corporate social responsibility efforts or public policies designed to improve health, education, or social welfare. In everyday speech, it may be used to praise or critique initiatives according to their perceived impact on the general population.

Related terms: the idea overlaps with samhällsnyttig (societally beneficial) and allmännyttig (for the public good), and is often discussed in relation to public welfare, public services, and civic ethics. While not a legal term in itself, allmennyttig frequently appears in policy debates and philanthropic discourse to denote broad, non-private benefits.