Stå

Stå is a verb in the Scandinavian languages Swedish, Norwegian and Danish, meaning to be in an upright position or to stand. In everyday usage it covers physical standing as well as figurative meanings such as standing still, standing firm, or standing up for someone or something. In syntax, the verb is often used with prepositions to express position or stance, as in står i kö (standing in line) or stå bakom (stand behind).

Etymology and cognates: The common root is Proto-Germanic *standaną, with cognates in English stand, Dutch staan, German stehen. The Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish forms are closely related; all share the basic stem stå-/stod-/stått across tense systems.

Conjugation and forms: In present tense, the verb appears as står in all three languages. The simple past is stod. The past participle is stått in Swedish and Norwegian, and stået in Danish. The imperative singular is stå. The root alternations reflect a Germanic strong-verb pattern.

Usage notes: Examples: Swedish: Jag står här. Norwegian: Jeg står her. Danish: Jeg står her. Idioms include stå fast (to stand firm), stå opp for (to stand up for), stå i kø (to stand in line). The verb also forms many fixed expressions related to posture, stance, or endurance.