skälen

Skälen is the definite plural form of the Swedish noun skäl, meaning reason or justification. The term refers to grounds or motives behind actions, statements, or decisions. It is commonly used to describe why someone thinks or acts in a certain way and to present justification for a stance or policy. In formal and journalistic language, skäl often appears in phrases like skäl till något or skälen bakom ett beslut.

Grammar and forms: Skäl is a neuter gender noun. The singular forms are ett skäl (indefinite) and skälet (definite). The plural forms are skäl (indefinite) and skälen (definite). The definite plural skälen is used when referring to a specific set of reasons that have already been mentioned or are clearly identifiable.

Semantics and usage: Skäl emphasizes justification or legitimate grounds for a choice or claim, rather than merely numerical causes. This distinguishes it from orsaker, which is more about causal factors. In practice, skäl is common in legal, administrative, and argumentative contexts, where speakers seek to articulate and defend their positions.

Examples:

- Det finns flera skäl att anta förslaget.

- Skälen till beslutet var tydliga och dokumenterade.

- Hon gav inga övertygande skäl för sin ståndpunkt.

Related terms include orsaker (causes) and motiveringar (justifications). The word derives from older Swedish and has cognates in other Scandinavian languages, reflecting its long-standing role in expressing justification and grounds in discourse.