Uppfylla

Uppfylla is a Swedish verb meaning “to fulfill,” “to satisfy,” or “to meet (a requirement, expectation, or need.” It is a regular verb belonging to the first conjugation group, and its infinitive form is uppfylla, while the present tense is uppfyller, the past tense uppfyllde, and the supine form is uppfyllt. The verb is commonly used in both formal and colloquial contexts to describe the act of completing a task, adhering to a standard, or providing what is necessary for a particular purpose.

In Swedish, uppfylla often appears with direct objects that denote obligations, criteria, or desires, for example: “Att uppfylla kraven för ett visum” (to meet the requirements for a visa) or “Hon lyckades uppfylla sina drömmar” (she managed to fulfill her dreams). The word can also be used intransitively in certain constructions, such as “Det uppfyller” meaning “It satisfies” when followed by a clause.

Etymologically, uppfylla is a compound of the prefix upp‑ (up, completive) and the older verb fylla, which derives from Old Norse fylla meaning “to fill.” The combination emphasizes the idea of filling up to a required level or completing something fully. Related terms include fylla (to fill), uppfyllnad (fulfilment), and fullgöra (to complete, to carry out).

Uppfylla is frequently employed in legal, administrative, and educational language, where precise fulfillment of statutes, regulations, or curricula is essential. In everyday speech, it conveys a broader sense of achieving personal goals or satisfying expectations. The verb is conjugated regularly, making it straightforward for learners of Swedish to incorporate into both written and spoken communication.