Risken

Risken is the definite singular form of the Swedish noun risk. It denotes the possibility that something harmful or undesired could occur, or a factor that increases the likelihood of such an outcome. The term is used in fields ranging from safety and health to finance and project planning, where assessing and communicating risk is a routine part of decision making.

Etymology and form: The Swedish word risk is borrowed from English, with influences from French risque, and has become fully integrated in modern Swedish. The definite singular form risken is formed by adding the definite suffix -en to the indefinite singular risk. The plural forms are risker (indefinite) and riskerna (definite).

Usage: Risken is used to identify and discuss a particular hazard that is known in context. Examples: Risken för brand minimeras genom regelbundna inspektioner; Vi bedömer risken i projektet; Risken för spridning av sjukdomar är hög i området. The expression "risken i/för" is common, and riskbedömning and riskfaktorer appear alongside risken.

See also: riskfaktorer, riskbedömning, riskhantering.