föreligger

Föreligger is a Swedish verb form meaning that something exists, is present, or is in existence and should be considered. It is commonly used in formal, bureaucratic, or legal language to indicate that a fact, condition, or document is before the relevant authority or decision-maker for examination or action. The term underlines that a matter is not merely true in a general sense, but relevant and requiring attention within a given context.

Etymology and sense: the verb combines före (before) with ligga (to lie), conveying the idea that something lies before someone for consideration. In practice, föreligger signals that an issue or obligation is present and should be dealt with, rather than merely being available or existing in the abstract.

Usage and style: föreligger is predominantly found in official reports, legal texts, policy documents, and formal correspondence. It tends to be more formal than everyday alternatives such as finns or existerar. It can be used with impersonal constructions, for example, “Det föreligger ett krav” (There is a requirement) or “Det föreligger flera frågor att diskutera.” The present tense form is föreligger (3rd person singular). The past tense is förelåg, and the present participle is föreliggande, which can be used attributively, as in “föreliggande dokument.”

Context and alternatives: because of its formal register, föreligger is chosen to emphasize that a matter is in scope for review or decision. In everyday language, phrases like “det finns,” “det är aktuellt,” or “det föreligger ett behov” may be preferred, depending on tone and audience.