tjänste

Tjänste is a Swedish noun that appears primarily in formal, historical, or compound contexts to denote service, duty, or an official function. In everyday language the corresponding common noun is tjänst, which is used for a job or service, with the definite form tjänsten. The form tjänste is therefore uncommon as a standalone noun in modern Swedish but remains visible in fixed expressions and in the stem of compounds.

In word formation, tjänste- functions as a productive prefix that signals an official or public-service sense. Examples include tjänsteutövning (the exercise or performance of official duties) and tjänstepersonal (official staff or civil service personnel). Through these compounds, tjänste conveys a relationship to public service, administration, or formal duties rather than commercial or private service.

Etymology and relation to other forms: tjeneste is related to the modern tjänst and shares roots in older Swedish and related Germanic language forms that express service or duty. The usage reflects historical and administrative language, where distinctions between private service and public duty were more pronounced.

Usage notes: in contemporary Swedish, tjänste by itself tends to appear in formal, legal, or archival texts. For everyday writing and speech, it is clearer to use tjänst or develop a compound with tjänste- as appropriate. Context and register often determine whether tjänste or its compounds are preferred.

See also: tjänst, tjänsters, tjänstgöring, tjänsteperson, myndighet, offentlig sektor, civil service.