Kränkung

Kränkung is a Swedish word that translates to offense, insult, or slight in English. It refers to an action or utterance that causes a person to feel hurt, humiliated, or disrespected. This feeling of kränkning is often subjective, meaning what one person considers an offense, another might not.

The concept of kränkning is deeply rooted in Swedish social norms and emphasizes the importance of treating others with consideration and respect. Public displays of kränkning can lead to social disapproval and are generally considered undesirable behavior. In schools, for example, the term is frequently used to describe bullying or other forms of mistreatment among students, with significant efforts made to prevent and address such incidents.

While kränkning can encompass a wide range of behaviors, from verbal abuse to subtle dismissals, the core element is the perceived violation of a person's dignity or self-esteem. The impact of kränkning can vary depending on the individual and the context, but it consistently points to a feeling of being wronged or demeaned by another. The term is not exclusive to severe forms of harm but can also apply to less intense but still hurtful interactions.