koppla

Koppla is a Swedish verb meaning to connect, join, or link. It is used for physical connections such as cables and devices, as well as for more abstract connections between ideas, data, or systems. The verb also forms several common phrasal verbs with prefixes, for example koppla in, koppla ur, koppla ihop, koppla av, and koppla samman. In everyday speech the prefixes add specific nuance, such as initiating a connection (in) or disconnecting (ur).

Common uses include connecting a device to power or to a network (koppla in, koppla upp), linking two systems (koppla ihop), or relating pieces of information (koppla samman). The verb also appears in expressions about relaxation (koppla av). In the context of wireless or Bluetooth connections, you might hear koppla ihop en enhet med en annan, or koppla upp sig mot ett nätverk.

Grammar and form: Koppla is a regular Swedish verb. Present tense kopplar, past tense kopplade, supine kopplat. Imperative: koppla. Like many phrasal verbs, certain prefixes can be separated in sentences, for example koppla in apparaten, koppla ur sladden. The related noun koppling denotes a coupling, connection, or junction, and används in tekniska eller mekaniska sammanhang.

Etymology and related forms: The word is of Germanic origin and has cognates in other Nordic languages and German (koppeln/koppling), reflecting the concept of coupling or linking. Related terms include koppla samman (to connect people or systems), koppla ihop (to join parts), and koppla av (to relax).