släkten

Släkten is a Swedish term meaning “the family” and refers to one’s kin group, including relatives by blood and marriage. In everyday language it denotes the extended family as a social unit, often used in contexts such as family gatherings, inheritance discussions, or when speaking about relatives collectively. The definite form släkten is used when referring to a specific family, as in “Släkten kommer till jul” (the family is coming for Christmas).

In linguistic and anthropological usage, släkt (the kin group) encompasses networks of related individuals and the connections that tie them together across generations. Genealogical research in Sweden is known as släktforskning, a popular hobby and field of study in which people trace ancestors, build family trees, and document lineage.

Etymologically, släkt is related to cognate terms in other Nordic languages (for example, Danish slægt and Norwegian slekt), all deriving from older forms that denote kinship and lineage. The term distinguishes between immediate family (föräldrar and syskon) and more distant relatives within a broader kin network.

In culture, Släkten is frequently used as a theme in Swedish literature, film, and television to explore family dynamics, inheritance, secrets, and social status. While not tied to a single canonical work, the concept remains a common focal point for narratives about lineage and family obligations.

See also: Släkt, Släktforskning, Familj.