Gåvan

Gåvan is the definite form of the Swedish noun gåva, which denotes a gift or present. In everyday language gåva refers to something given to another person without compensation, such as a birthday present or a keepsake. The term also covers charitable giving, where a person or organization makes a donation, often phrased as att ge en gåva.

Beyond the sense of a tangible present, gåva can in a broader or more literary context refer to a natural talent or ability—the notion of a person being gifted in a particular way. This broader sense is more common in formal or poetic usage and in expressions about inherent gifts.

Gåvan is used when talking about a specific gift; the indefinite form is gåva, the definite form is gåvan, and the plural is gåvor. Examples include Jag fick en gåva (I received a gift) and Pjäsen handlar om en människas gåvor och svagheter (The play deals with a person’s gifts and weaknesses). In charitable contexts one speaks of att ge en gåva till välgörenhet (to give a gift to charity) or en större gåva (a larger donation).

Etymology and related forms: gåva originates from North Germanic roots and has cognates in other Scandinavian languages, such as Danish gave and Norwegian gave, reflecting a common Proto-Germanic origin related to giving. The word has retained its core meaning of something given, while also allowing broader interpretations in literature and discourse.

See also: gift (in other languages), donation, giving, charitable giving, talent.