kärnfrågorna

Kärnfrågorna is a Swedish term meaning "the core questions" and is used to describe the essential questions that define a topic, problem, or debate. The term combines kärna (core) and frågor (questions) and is used across fields such as education, journalism, policy, and research.

In education, kärnfrågor are open-ended inquiries designed to guide students' exploration and connect learning to real-world issues. They help frame assignments, promote critical thinking, and align activities with learning objectives. In journalism and public discourse, kärnfrågorna identify the main issues that should be answered to understand a situation, such as what is at stake, who is affected, and what are the consequences. In policy development and organizational strategy, defining kärnfrågor helps prioritize actions, evaluate trade-offs, and structure analysis.

The concept is often contrasted with subsidiary questions or factual details, as the aim is to focus attention on the issues that drive understanding and decision-making. The precise content of kärnfrågor depends on context and audience; they may be revised as information evolves. The term is common in Swedish discourse and mirrors similar notions in other languages, such as essential questions or core issues. See also essential questions, core issues.