betänka

Betänka is a Swedish verb with the core meaning to think about something carefully, to weigh options, or to take into account possible consequences. It can also be used reflexively as betänka sig, meaning to hesitate or pause before acting. In non-reflexive use, betänka ofta governs a direct object, as in betänka konsekvenserna or betänka kostnaderna.

The verb is used in both formal and everyday language. In formal or administrative contexts, it refers to deliberate consideration of factors before a decision, policy, or plan. In everyday speech, it is common to use betänka sig when someone needs a moment to reflect before answering or acting. Examples include: Vi måste betänka riskerna innan vi går vidare. Jag behöver betänka mig innan jag svarar.

Conjugation and forms: infinitiv betänka, presens betänker, preteritum betänkte, supinum betänkt. The reflexive form betänka sig means to hesitate or hesitate to commit to a course of action.

Etymology: betänka is formed with the prefix be- added to tänka ("to think"), a common Germanic construction. The word has cognates in other Scandinavian languages, such as Danish betænke. The related noun betänkande means a report or recommendation produced by a committee or board, presenting considered proposals for further action.

Related terms include överväga (to consider more thoroughly), reflektera (to reflect), and analysera (to analyze). Betänka remains widely understood in modern Swedish, with usage spanning legal, governmental, and everyday discourse.