kunskaper

Kunskaper is a Swedish term that denotes knowledge and the ability to apply it. The plural form kunskaper is used to describe what a person knows or can do, covering both theoretical understanding and practical know-how. The concept is often domain-specific, with examples such as språkkunskaper (language skills), matematikkunskaper (mathematics knowledge), or yrkeskunskaper (professional skills).

Types of kunskaper are commonly distinguished in educational and professional contexts. Teoretiska kunskaper refer to facts, concepts, theories, and frameworks. Praktiska kunskaper refer to the ability to perform tasks and apply methods in real situations. In some discussions, färdigheter (skills) emphasize the practical application of knowledge, while kunskap focuses more on the content and understanding.

Development and assessment of kunskaper occur through schooling, training, work experience, and informal learning. Assessment methods include exams, tests, demonstrations, projects, and portfolios, and certain kunskaper can be certified for professional purposes.

In education and the labor market, kunskaper are central alongside related concepts such as kompetens (competence) and färdigheter. The emphasis in many contexts is increasingly on explicit, demonstrable kunskaper, particularly in technical and digital fields, although tacit kunskaper gained through practice remain valuable and harder to quantify.

See also: kompetens, färdigheter, utbildning, lärande.