förstahandsvalet

Förstahandsvalet is a Swedish noun meaning the first choice or first preference—the option a person ranks highest among alternatives. The term is used across many contexts, including politics, housing, education, and everyday decision making. The definite form is förstahandsvalet; related phrases include andrahandsvalet for the second choice and tredjehandsvalet for the third.

In political and public discourse, förstahandsvalet refers to the option a voter prefers most. It can denote the top candidate on a party list or the option a voter marks as their first preference in a poll. First-choice support is often reported separately from overall party support in surveys and analyses.

In housing administration and public allocations, förstahandsvalet commonly indicates priority status. The applicant with the highest priority in a housing queue may be offered a rental contract as the first choice. In education and admissions, students may list preferred programs, with förstahandsvalet describing the program designated as their primary choice. Acceptance rules vary by system, but the concept emphasizes prioritization of a preferred option.

Usage notes: the term highlights ranking rather than suitability alone and is often contrasted with lower-priority options. It is a standard term in Swedish public and administrative contexts and is understood in media, politics, housing, and educational discussions.