träda

Träda is a Swedish verb with meanings tied to stepping, entering, or taking effect in a formal sense. In contemporary usage, it appears mainly in fixed phrases rather than as everyday speech. Common senses include att träda i kraft (to take effect), att träda in (to join or enter a body, organization, or position), and att träda fram (to step forward or present oneself). The term is often found in legal, administrative, and historical contexts, where it conveys formal transition or initiation.

Etymology and related forms: Träda derives from older Germanic roots related to the verb “to tread.” It is cognate with Danish træde and Norwegian trede, and shares a common ancestor with the English word tread. The sense shift from physical stepping to concepts like entering into force or membership developed over time in Swedish.

Usage and register: The verb is considered somewhat literary or formal in modern Swedish. It is less common in everyday conversation, where speakers more often use synonyms such as gå i kraft for “take effect” or gå med i/komma in for “join.” In legal or governmental texts, träda is standard for describing provisions becoming operative or officials assuming office.

Conjugation: Träda is irregular. Infinitive: träda; present: träder; past: trädde; supine: trätt. Regional or historical variants may occur, but the outlined forms cover standard Swedish usage.

See also: gå i kraft, träda in, träda fram.