Utgången

Utgången is the definite form of the Swedish noun utgång, which has two main senses. The first sense refers to a physical exit or way out from a space, building, vehicle, or other enclosed area; it is commonly used in signage, safety instructions, and everyday language. The second sense denotes the result, outcome, or end state of a process, action, or event, for example the utgången of an election or the conclusion of negotiations.

In usage, the exit sense is found in terms like nödutgång (emergency exit) and flyktväg (escape route). When referring to a specific exit, utgången appears with the definite article, and for multiple exits the plural form is utgångarna. In the outcome sense, utgången is used with phrases such as av utgången av något (the outcome of something) and can be synonymous with “resultat” or “slut” in context.

Etymology and form: Utgång is built from ut- meaning “out” and gång meaning “going” or “passage.” The noun is en utgång (common gender); the definite singular is utgången, the indefinite plural is utgångar, and the definite plural is utgångarna. These forms determine agreement in sentences describing a specific exit or a particular set of outcomes.