kännetecknas

Kännetecknas is the present passive form of the Swedish verb känneteckna, meaning to characterize or to be characterized by. The construction X kännetecknas av Y is commonly used to state that X has distinctive features or traits that define it. The form is often found in descriptive or evaluative texts, such as reports, reviews, and encyclopedic writing, where it helps to summarize what makes a subject notable.

Etymology and related terms: känneteckna derives from kännetecken, the noun for a characteristic sign or hallmark. The related adjective kännetecknad means “characteristic” or “notable.” A closely related verb is karaktäriserna, which has a similar meaning but can carry a broader or more evaluative nuance. In practice, kännetecknas emphasizes observable or defining features.

Grammar and usage notes: kännetecknas is used in the present tense to describe current characteristics. The agent performing the action is often omitted, but the phrase av can introduce it, as in X kännetecknas av Y. The past tense is kännetecknades and the past participle is kännetecknad, used in passive perfect constructions.

Examples:

- Staden kännetecknas av sina färgglada byggnader och närheten till havet.

- Stilriktningen kännetecknas av rena linjer och geometriska former.

- Företagets produkter kännetecknas av hög kvalitet och hållbara material.

This form is a standard tool in Swedish for attributing defining characteristics to a subject in a concise, objective way.