behärskat

Behärskat is the supine form of the Swedish verb behärska, which means to master, to bring under control, or to handle something with competence. The term is used to describe having gained proficiency or control in a skill, language, or situation.

Grammatically, behärska is conjugated in present tense as behärskar (han behärskar svenska), and in simple past as behärskade. In perfect tenses the form behärskat appears in combination with have/has or had, for example har behärskat or hade behärskat. The supine behärskat is the form used to construct these perfect tenses.

Usage and nuances: behärska is applicable across a range of domains, including languages, technical skills, arts, sports, and the handling of challenging situations. It implies a level of competence that goes beyond familiarity, indicating mastery or a high degree of control. Common expressions include att behärska ett språk (to master a language) and att behärska konsten (to master the art).

Etymology: the verb is formed with the prefix be- attached to härska, meaning to rule or prevail; behärska thus conveys bringing something under control or becoming proficient at it.

Related forms: the noun behärskning denotes mastery or control, and behärskande can function as a participle related to mastery. The term is widely used in formal writing, education, and professional contexts to describe skillful command of a subject or task.