Kröker

Kröker is a term used in Swedish to describe bends or curves in physical objects. It is commonly applied to features such as roads, pipes, and metal components where straightness deviates. In technical and descriptive writing, krök refers to a single bend, while kröker can appear as the verb form meaning “bends” or “curves” in the present tense, as in vägen kröker åt vänster.

Etymology and scope: The word belongs to the krök- family, derived from older Germanic roots associated with bending or turning. It has cognates in related Scandinavian languages, where similar terms describe curvature. The concept is widely used in engineering, architecture, and geography to denote directional change or curvature in a structure or pathway.

Usage and examples: In road planning and visual mapping, a sharp krök indicates a turn that may require speed adjustments or signage. In plumbing or metalworking, the term helps describe elbow-like sections that redirect flow or force. Common phrases include “en krök i vägen” (a bend in the road) or “krökar i en ledning” (bends in a pipe). While primarily Swedish in origin, cognate terms appear in neighboring languages with parallel meanings.

Relation to related concepts: Krök and related terms are part of broader vocabulary for curvature, bend, and turn. They sit alongside geometric terms such as kurva and böj, and are distinguished by their focus on physical deviation from straightness in tangible objects.

See also: kurva, böj, krök (geometri), el‑bow (pipe elbow) practical terminology.

Note: The exact pluralization and usage can vary by dialect and technical field, but the core idea remains a bend or curved section in an object.