Egenrummet

Egenrummet is a Swedish term that refers to a private room designated for one person, typically within a shared living arrangement such as a family home, dormitory, or student housing. The concept emphasizes personal space, autonomy, and privacy within a communal environment. In everyday language, it is used to describe a space that a person can use for rest, study, storage, and personal activities.

Etymology and usage: The word is formed from egen, meaning “own,” and rummet, the definite form of rum, “room.” The definite form egenrummet is used when speaking of a specific private room. In broader contexts, speakers may also refer to eget rum, meaning “one’s own room,” though the standard definite form is often encountered in compounds and specific references.

Contexts and significance: Egenrummet is commonly discussed in relation to family life, adolescent development, and student housing, where access to a private space can influence privacy, identity, and well-being. In design and architecture, the concept informs plans for multi-occupant dwellings by highlighting the value of personal space alongside shared areas. The term may also appear in sociological or educational writings on autonomy, boundaries, and the division between public and private life within a home.

See also: private space, personal space, dormitory housing, family housing, Scandinavian architectural design.

Note: While egenrummet is a real Swedish term, its usage and connotations can vary by region and context.