kapitelrubrik

Kapitelrubrik is a term used in Swedish to denote the heading or title that marks the start of a chapter in a book, document, or other long text. It is a compound noun formed from kapitel (chapter) and rubrik (heading or headline). The kapitelrubrik signals the topic or focus of the upcoming text and helps readers navigate the work.

Function and use

A kapitelrubrik serves navigational and orienting purposes, often appearing after a chapter number and sometimes followed by a subtitle. It can set the tone for the chapter and aid skimming, especially in longer works. In many layouts, the kapitelrubrik is designed to stand out through typography—larger font, bolding, or centering—while remaining distinct from the body text.

Typography and layout

Publishers vary in how they present a kapitelrubrik. Common practices include placing the chapter number before the title (for example, “Kapitel 3” or “Kapitel 3: Havet och vinden”), using bold or larger type, and optionally adding a subtitle that elaborates the chapter’s theme. The exact style is guided by the book’s design and the publisher’s or author’s preferred typography.

Relation to other elements

The kapitelrubrik complements the table of contents (innehållsförteckning) and other navigational aids. It should be distinct from section headings (sektionrubrik) and other subheads, preserving a clear hierarchy in the text.

Variants and translation

The singular is kapitelrubrik; plural is kapitelrubriker. In English, the equivalent term is “chapter heading” or “chapter title.” The concept is widely used in Swedish literature, academic works, manuals, and other long-form writing.