duktiga

Duktiga is a Swedish adjective form derived from duktig, used to describe people or things that are skilled, capable, or proficient. It commonly modifies plural nouns, as in "duktiga elever" (skilled students), and also appears in definite constructions such as "de duktiga eleverna" (the skilled students). The form can describe abilities across various domains, including academics, work, sports, music, and crafts. In addition to competence, duktig can carry a positive evaluation of effort and diligence.

Usage and nuances

Duktiga is used to praise or acknowledge competence in a respectful, positive manner. It is applied to individuals (for example, "Hon är duktig på matematik") as well as to groups ("flera duktiga lag"). In Swedish, the word can also be used with children to describe both skill and well-behaved conduct, though the latter nuance depends on context and tone. The adjective is widely understood in formal and informal contexts and is common in education, media, and everyday speech.

Etymology and related forms

The word duktig has Old Norse and broader Germanic roots related to virtue, capability, and suitability. It is cognate with similar terms in other Scandinavian languages (for example, Danish duelig and Norwegian duktig), all with related meanings of being able or competent. Duktiga is simply the plural or inflected form used before plural nouns, while the singular forms are duktig (indefinite) and den duktiga (definite).

See also

Synonyms such as skicklig, duktig, kompetent; related discussions on grammar and usage in Swedish.