læraren

Läraren is a Swedish noun-form, specifically the definite singular form of the word lärare, which means teacher. The term denotes a person who teaches, typically in a school setting, and is used across educational levels from preschool to university. In Swedish, nouns inflect for definiteness, so the indefinite form lärare becomes läraren in the definite singular and lärarna in the definite plural.

Etymology and usage: lärare is formed with the agentive suffix -are added to the verb lära, which means to teach or to learn. The definite form läraren specifies a particular teacher, as in the sentence “Läraren förklarade uppgiften.” The plural indefinite is lärare, while the definite plural is lärarna. The word is common in everyday language, media discussions about education, and formal policy language.

Cultural and media references: Läraren is also used as a title in Swedish media, including films, books, and television episodes, where the focus is often on education, mentorship, or the dynamics between teachers and students. Because it functions as a general term and as a title, its meaning can range from a generic reference to a specific, named figure in a narrative.

See also: Lärare, the base noun; definiteness in Swedish noun endings; related occupational titles in education.