Doften

Doften is a Swedish noun meaning the scent or fragrance of something. It is the definite form of doft (en doft) and is used to refer to the characteristic smell of a substance, place, or situation. The term covers a range of odours, from pleasant to neutral or even unpleasant, and it appears in everyday speech, literature, and product descriptions. Doften can be literal, as in the aroma of perfume or fresh bread, or figurative, used to convey atmosphere or memory.

In other North Germanic languages, cognates express the same idea with slightly different forms. In Danish and Norwegian, the corresponding word is duft, with the definite form duften. The relationship among these terms points to a common Germanic origin and shows how scent is described similarly across languages.

Usage and nuance: Doften often carries a positive or evocative connotation in marketing and poetry, emphasizing atmosphere and refinement. In formal or scientific contexts, more precise terms such as aroma, odor, or fragrance may be preferred. Doften is commonly used in phrases like “doften av lavendel” (the scent of lavender) or “blommornas doft” (the fragrance of flowers) in Swedish literature or advertising.

See also: olfaction, fragrance, aroma, smell.