närheten

Närheten is a Swedish noun meaning nearness or proximity—the state or quality of being close. The base form is närhet, and närheten is the definite form used when referring to “the nearness” or “the proximity.” In everyday Swedish, phrases such as i närheten (in the vicinity) or i närheten av något (in the proximity of something) are common.

In geography, urban planning, and transportation studies, närheten is used to discuss accessibility and the idea that places, services, and opportunities should be within reach. Proximity can be described in distance, travel time, or perceived closeness. In sociology and psychology, närhet also denotes social or emotional closeness—the sense of connection to people and groups—which can influence trust, cooperation, and decision making.

In culture and discourse, the concept is invoked to express immediacy, relevance, or suitability. The term appears in literature, journalism, and policy discussions to frame questions of access, locality, and social ties, reflecting both spatial and figurative dimensions of closeness.