medborgerligt

Medborgerligt is a Swedish adjective meaning related to citizens or citizenry, i.e., pertaining to the rights, duties, and participation of individuals in public life. It is often translated as “civic” or “civic-minded.” The corresponding noun medborgerlighet denotes the quality or state of being civic-minded or concerned with the welfare of the citizenry.

Etymology: The term is formed from med- meaning “with, together” and borgerlig, itself related to borger, a citizen or townsman, with the suffix -lig indicating a characteristic. In Swedish usage, medborgerligt emphasizes the role of ordinary citizens and civil society rather than state power or political parties alone.

Usage and contexts: Medborgerligt appears in phrases such as medborgerligt ansvar (civic duty), medborgerligt engagemang (civic engagement), and medborgerliga rättigheter (civil rights). It is commonly used in political and social discourse to contrast citizen-centered approaches with more hierarchical or technocratic ones. The term can also describe values or movements that advocate participation, rule of law, and pluralism.

In contemporary discourse, medborgerligt is found in academic, policy, and public discussions about democracy, civil society, and social cohesion. While the word is neutral, it is often deployed by actors emphasizing citizen participation and civil liberties.