närmsta

Närmsta is the superlative form of the Swedish adjective när, meaning “near” or “close.” Used to indicate the greatest degree of proximity, it translates to “nearest” or “closest” in English. Grammatically, närmast functions both as an adverb and as an adjective, depending on context. As an adjective it is inflected according to gender, number and definiteness: den närmaste (common gender singular definite), det närmaste (neuter singular definite), de närmaste (plural). When used attributively, the indefinite form appears as the masculine/feminine singular närmaste, the neuter singular närmaste, and the plural närmaste.

The word originates from Old Norse nær, related to Proto‑Germanic *nearaz, and follows the typical Swedish pattern of forming superlatives by adding the suffix –sta to the root. It is frequently employed in everyday language, geography, public transportation and navigation, for example – “det närmaste stationen” (the nearest station) or “den närmaste butiken” (the closest shop). In comparative constructions the form närmare (“nearer”) is used, complemented by the superlative närmast.

Närmsta also appears in idiomatic expressions such as “närmsta möjliga” (as close as possible) and in formal contexts like legal or administrative documents to denote the most convenient or proximate option. Though primarily Swedish, similar forms exist in other Scandinavian languages, for instance Norwegian nærmeste and Danish nærmeste, reflecting a shared linguistic heritage. The term is regularly listed in Swedish dictionaries and language reference works as a standard example of adjective superlative formation.