Krångligt

Krångligt is a Swedish adjective and adverbial form used predicatively to describe something that is not straightforward—something that is complicated, troublesome, or awkward to understand or carry out. It is commonly applied to procedures, devices, plans, or situations where there are unnecessary obstacles, confusion, or friction.

Etymology and forms: krångligt derives from the verb krångla, meaning to cause trouble or to tangle. The related adjective is krånglig, and the neuter singular form krångligt is used in predicative constructions such as “det är krångligt.” The noun form is krångel, meaning trouble or hassle.

Usage and nuance: krångligt conveys more than mere difficulty; it often implies inefficiency, complexity, or annoyance in a given context. It can describe both concrete tasks and abstract situations, such as bureaucratic processes, technical setups, or plans that require many steps or special know-how. In everyday speech it is a common, neutral-to-negative descriptor.

Examples: “Det är krångligt att installera den här mjukvaran.” “Den här processen känns krånglig och tidskrävande.” “Vi stöter ofta på krångel när vi försöker få allt att fungera.” These examples illustrate its use across practical and administrative contexts.

Related terms: krångel (noun) refers to trouble or hassle; synonyms include komplicerat, besvärligt, and svårt. While closely related, krångligt specifically emphasizes the nuisances and complexities encountered in attempting to do something.