Behärskar

Behärskar is a Swedish verb form meaning to master or to have command of a skill, subject, or language. It conveys a level of proficiency and denotes established competence rather than mere familiarity. The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, for example ett språk, en teknik eller ett ämne.

Etymology and form are straightforward: behärska is formed with the prefix be- added to härska (to rule). The present tense form behärskar is used for third-person singular (and also for du behärskar, you master). The infinitive is behärska; the past tense is behärskade; the past participle or supine is behärskat. In perfect constructions one uses har behärskat, as in Hon har behärskat flera språk.

Usage notes: Behärska is commonly used to describe competence that is more than basic knowledge, including languages, software, techniques, or professional skills. It is considered neutral in tone, though synonyms like bemästra can carry a nuance of more deliberate or thorough mastery.

Examples:

- Hon behärskar tre språk. (She masters three languages.)

- Att behärska ett program kräver övning. (To master a program requires practice.)

- Efter månader av övning behärskade han tekniken. (After months of practice, he mastered the technique.)

See also: bemästra, kunna, mästra.