Pausmärke

Pausmärke is a Swedish term that translates to "pause mark" or "punctuation mark for pausing." It generally refers to any punctuation mark that signals a pause in speech or thought within a sentence. The most common examples of paussmärke in Swedish are the comma (komma) and the semicolon (semikolon).

The comma is used to separate clauses, list items, and introductory phrases, indicating a short pause. For instance, in a list of items, a comma would be placed between each item to separate them and guide the reader through the list with brief hesitations. The semicolon, while also indicating a pause, suggests a longer pause than a comma. It is often used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning, functioning as a bridge between them.

Other punctuation marks can also function as paussmärke depending on context. The em dash (tankstreck) can create a more pronounced pause than a comma or semicolon, often used for emphasis or to set off parenthetical information. A colon (kolon) can also introduce a pause, typically before an explanation, a list, or a quotation. Even a period (punkt) at the end of a sentence represents the ultimate pause, signaling the completion of a thought. The specific function and length of the pause indicated by a paussmärke are determined by the individual mark and its grammatical role within the sentence.