paraplybegrep

Paraplybegrepp is a Swedish term that refers to an umbrella concept: a broad, overarching notion that encompasses several related sub-concepts. It is used in education, research, and information organization to provide a common frame of reference and to connect knowledge across contexts.

The word combines paraply (umbrella) and begrepp (concept), highlighting its function as a higher-level category. In linguistics and knowledge organization, paraplybegrepp designates a hypernym or superordinate term that groups together more specific terms (delbegrepp).

In practice, paraplybegrepp helps structure curricula, index materials, and map disciplinary knowledge. It supports learners and researchers in understanding how diverse topics relate by offering a high-level category under which more detailed terms fall. For example, in biology, “djur” can serve as a paraplybegrepp for subgroups such as däggdjur, fåglar and kräldjur; in mathematics, “matematik” can be seen as a paraplybegrepp for algebra, geometri and analys.

Differences from more specific terms and fixed taxonomies lie in its emphasis on inclusivity and cross-cutting connections rather than exhaustive hierarchies. Boundaries may be fuzzy, and the same umbrella term can function differently in different contexts.

In information science and education, paraplybegrepp is closely related to, but not identical with, the terms hyperonym or umbrella term. See also delbegrepp and överordnat begrepp.