gälla

Gälla is a Swedish verb meaning to apply, to be in effect, or to pertain to. In its core sense it indicates that a rule, law, condition, or situation is relevant for someone or something, or that it is binding.

In usage, gälla is most often found in phrases that express applicability or importance. Common examples include: “Det gäller att göra färdigt arbetet i tid” (It is important/necessary to finish the work on time); “Det gäller även för nya kunder” (That also applies to new customers); and “Lagen gäller från den 1 juli” (The law is in effect from July 1). A negative form is also common: “Det gäller inte längre” (That no longer applies). The phrase “Det gäller” is a frequent idiom used to introduce what is current or binding.

Grammatical notes: gälla is a finite Swedish verb with present tense också forms: present tense gälder? No—standard present is gäller; past tense is gällde; perfect forms are built with har gällt (for example, “Regeln har gällt i flera år”). The verb belongs to the class of common Swedish verbs used in both formal and informal contexts, and it often appears in legal, administrative, and everyday speech due to its core meaning of validity and applicability.

See also: Swedish verbs related to validity and applicability, such as gälla in idiomatic expressions, and phrases signaling applicability or enforcement in Swedish law and policy discourse.