Fästen

Fästen is a Swedish noun with two common meanings, depending on context. In everyday usage, it refers to a fastening or mounting device that attaches, supports, or fixes one object to another. In this sense, fästen appear in many fields, including construction, furniture, electronics, and automotive contexts, with compound forms such as väggfäste (wall mount) or bordfäste (table mount). The word denotes both the physical part and the act of attaching.

Historically, fästen can also mean a fortress or fortified position. In military and historical texts, a fäste describes a defensive stronghold or strategic holdfast used to secure a region or deter attackers. This sense emphasizes protection and control of space rather than the act of fastening itself. The dual meanings reflect a common Indo-European tendency for a word describing attachment to extend to a concept of securing a position.

Etymology and form: fästen derives from the verb fästa, meaning to fasten or fix. The base fäste denotes the object of fastening, while the plural fästen refers to multiple fasteners or mounting devices. The definite singular is fästet and the definite plural fästena. In compound terms, fäste is often combined with other elements to specify the type of mounting or fortification.

In usage, fästen can describe both tangible hardware and figurative or historical fortifications. Related terms include fästelement or fäste av olika slag, used in technical contexts to denote mounting components, as well as words like hållare or fastener in broader terms. See also fortress or stronghold in historical references.