däremot

Däremot is a Swedish adverb used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what has just been stated. It corresponds to English on the other hand, however, or whereas, and is commonly employed to signal a counterpoint in both written and spoken Swedish. The word is typically placed after a clause, often separated by a semicolon or comma.

Etymology and cognates: Däremot is of Scandinavian origin and is cognate with Danish derimod and Norwegian derimot, both meaning “on the other hand.” The exact historical formation is uncertain, but the term is understood as a compound or fossilized construction that marks opposition to a preceding statement.

Usage and function: Däremot functions as a contrastive connector that strengthens the opposition between two propositions. It can occur mid-sentence or at the beginning of a sentence following a preceding clause, and it tends to convey a stronger or more explicit contrast than more neutral opposites like men or dock. It is common in formal writing as well as in everyday speech.

Examples: Jag vill gå ut. Däremot måste jag plugga. Hon säger att hon vill spara pengar; däremot köper hon nu nya kläder. Vi trodde priset skulle stiga; däremot sjönk det. These examples show däremot linking a preceding idea with an opposing one to clarify the shift in reasoning.

See also: derimod (Danish), derimot (Norwegian); related Swedish contrastive expressions include men, dock, och å andra sidan. Däremot remains a standard option for emphatic, contrastive linking in Swedish discourse.