dåtidens

Dåtidens is a Swedish attributive phrase formed by the noun dåtid (the past) and the definite possessive suffix -ens, producing a form that translates roughly as “of the past” or “from bygone times.” It functions as a determiner that modifies a following noun to indicate association with a past era. For example, dåtidens teknologi means “technology of the past.”

Etymology and grammar: The base word dåtid consists of då (then) and tid (time). The suffix -ens marks possession in a construction that modifies the following noun, so dåtidens teknolog i describes technology belonging to or characteristic of the past. It is not a standalone noun but a grammatical modifier used pre-nominally.

Usage and nuance: The phrase is common in historical writing, cultural commentary, museum labels, and journalism when contrasting past practices or styles with contemporary ones. It often carries a sense of temporal distance and can convey nostalgia or evaluative nuance depending on context. In neutral scholarly prose it serves to anchor discussion to specific historical periods.

Related forms and equivalents: In Swedish, parallel constructions exist for other temporal poles, such as nutidens (the present) and framtidens (the future). Translations into English depend on context and may be rendered as “past,” “of the past,” or “the bygone era’s.” The expression is primarily a linguistic tool for framing descriptions within a historical perspective.