Behärska

Behärska is a Swedish verb meaning to master something or to have control over it. It is used for languages, skills, systems, or one’s emotions. Examples include “Hon behärskar engelska och franska” (She masters English and French) and “Han behärskade situationen” (He controlled the situation). The verb can also mean to restrain oneself: “att behärska sina känslor.” It is transitive and typically followed by a direct object, though reflexive use is possible when referring to self-control.

Etymology: The verb is formed with the prefix be- added to härska (to rule). It has cognates in German beherrschen and Dutch beheersen, reflecting a shared Germanic root related to mastery and control.

Forms: Present tense behärskar; past tense behärskade; supine and past participle behärskat, used with har/hade to form perfect tenses. Imperative behärska.

Usage: Common in education, journalism, and formal writing. Behärska conveys a high level of competence or control, often preferred in contexts of skill mastery. It can also denote self-control, though bemästra may be used in other senses of overcoming or conquering a broader challenge.

See also: bemästra; kontrollera; disciplinera.

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