Hänsyn

Hänsyn is a Swedish noun meaning consideration, regard, or sensitivity toward the needs, rights, or feelings of other people. It connotes thoughtfulness and a willingness to adapt one’s behavior to avoid causing problems for others. In everyday language, it is common to speak of showing hänsyn, for example by speaking softly in shared spaces, keeping noise down, or letting someone through in a queue. The expression ta hänsyn till andra translates to taking others into account.

In social life, hänsyn is a normative expectation in many contexts. Demonstrating hänsyn includes listening attentively, respecting personal space, and avoiding actions that may disrupt or harm others. It is closely linked to politeness, empathy, and social cooperation, and it is often invoked in discussions about community life, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

In policy and planning contexts, hänsyn refers to the obligation to balance interests and minimize negative impacts on people and the environment. Planning, transportation, housing, and environmental decisions are described as requiring hänsyn to various stakeholders, such as residents, pedestrians, wildlife, and cultural values. The phrase hänsyn till natur, kultur eller boende is used to indicate due regard toward these factors.

See also, or related concepts, include omtanke (care and consideration for others) and respekt (mutual respect). In translation, hänsyn is commonly rendered as “consideration” or “regard.”