afterlämna

Efterlämna is a Swedish verb meaning to leave behind, either literally by leaving objects or property to someone, or more figuratively by leaving behind obligations, memories, or a legacy. The most common usage concerns the distribution of a deceased person’s estate to heirs or beneficiaries, typically through a will (testamente) or, if no will exists, through applicable inheritance laws.

Etymology and forms: the word derives from efter- “after” and lämna “to leave.” Infinitive: efterlämna. Present: efterlämnar. Past: efterlämnade. Supine: efterlämnat. Passive present: efterlämnas. The noun forms include efterlämnande (the act of leaving behind) and its definite form efterlämnandet, which can describe an inheritance or legacy.

Usage and nuance: efterlämna can refer to tangible assets such as money, property, and objects, as well as intangible legacies like responsibilities, memories, or reputations. In legal contexts it commonly denotes bequeathing assets to heirs or beneficiaries, while in everyday language it can describe what someone has left behind in terms of duties or influence. For example, “Han efterlämnade sina barn i testamentet” or “Boet efterlämnas till arvingarna.”

See also: testament, arv, legat, bo, ärvdabalken (in Swedish law), testamentsefterlevnad.

Notes: While the core meaning centers on leaving behind after death, efterlämna can also be used in broader scenarios involving the aftermath of events where responsibilities or effects are left behind.