beläggen

Beläggen is the definite plural form of the Swedish noun belägg, a term with several related meanings. In general usage belägg denotes either a coating or layer on a surface, or evidence, justification, or proof supporting a claim. The exact sense of beläggen is determined by context: in a scientific or technical text it can refer to surface deposits or coatings, while in a legal or rhetorical context it often means multiple pieces of evidence.

Etymology and usage. Belägg stems from the verb belägga, meaning to lay on, cover, or justify. The noun belägg acquired the sense of a physical layer as well as a metaphorical justification. Beläggen, the definite plural, is used when the speaker refers to several such coatings or several items of evidence. The meaning is usually clear from accompanying nouns or verbs, such as beläggen på ytan (the coatings on the surface) or beläggen för påståendet (the evidences for the claim).

In practice, beläggen appears in scientific, archaeological, historical, and technical writing, as well as in formal discussion of proofs or supports. In everyday language, related terms like beläggning (coating, layer) or bevis/bevisning (evidence) are often used, but beläggen can be employed when speaking of multiple coasts, layers, or distinct pieces of evidence.

Examples:

- Det finns belägg för att handeln var aktiv under perioden.

- Beläggen på metallytan avslöjar en oxidbeläggning.

- Fynden utgör beläggen som stöder teorin.

See also: belägg, beläggning, bevis, bevisning.