kriterier

Kriterier is a Swedish term referring to the standards, conditions, or requirements that are used to judge, evaluate, or decide whether something meets a given goal or specification. They function as reference points that determine if a result, product, action, or process is acceptable or compliant.

The word is the plural form of kriterium, with kriterier commonly appearing across many fields, including education, research, procurement, quality management, and policy development. The concept is also expressed in other languages through related terms such as criterion or criteria.

Kriterier can be classified in several ways. They may be objective, meaning they can be verified with measurable facts (for example, length, weight, or test scores), or subjective, based on judgment (such as relevance or usefulness). They can be mandatory, stating a condition that must be met, or optional, signaling desirable but not required attributes. Often, complex evaluations use a set of multiple criteria, sometimes with weights to reflect relative importance.

Developing clear criteria is essential for transparency and fairness. Criteria should be specific, observable, and verifiable, aligned with the overall goal, and communicated to all stakeholders. They should avoid ambiguity and be feasible to apply within the given context. Regular review is advisable to ensure they remain relevant as objectives or conditions change.

Examples include educational grading criteria, procurement supplier requirements, research study inclusion and exclusion criteria, and eligibility rules in policy or program administration. Kriterier thus provide a structured basis for consistent judgment and accountability.