skiss

Skiss is a Swedish noun that means a rough drawing or outline. It refers to a preliminary or simplified representation used to explore ideas, communicate concepts, or plan a project. A skiss may be a quick drawing in a sketchbook, a schematic diagram, or a general outline of a proposal. The term is commonly used in art, design, architecture, education, and business contexts. The related verb is skissa, meaning to sketch; the plural form of skiss is skisser.

Origin and cognates: Skiss is native to Swedish but is cognate with the English word sketch and the German Skizze, reflecting a shared linguistic lineage for preliminary drawings that precede more detailed work. In practice, skisser are understood as informal and not intended as final representations.

Usage and compounds: In everyday Swedish, skisser are produced to convey ideas quickly and informally. Common compounds include skissbok (sketchbook), where sketches are stored, and phrases like göra en skiss (make a sketch) or presentera en skiss (present a sketch) in meetings or classes. In educational and professional settings, skisser help teams discuss concepts before committing to detailed plans or specifications.

Cultural note: The concept of a skiss emphasizes iterative thinking—using quick drawings to test ideas, communicate visually, and refine approaches before creating polished results. While most English-language discussions use “sketch,” the Swedish term is widely used in similar contexts and carries the same practical function.

See also: sketch, outline, esquisse.