tränare

Tränare is a Swedish term for a person who trains others or animals to improve performance in sports, performing arts, or professional contexts. While it is most commonly used to refer to sports coaches, it can also describe professionals who guide and condition animals or individuals in specialized skills. The word is formed from the verb träna, with the agent suffix -are, and denotes the role of someone who trains.

In sports and competitive activities, a tränare designs practice programs, teaches techniques, and plans competition preparation. They analyze performance, adjust training loads, and provide tactical guidance and motivation. They may work with athletes of different ages and levels, oversee safety and welfare, and collaborate with team managers, medical staff, scouts, and support personnel. The roles vary by level and sport, with terms such as huvudtränare (head coach) and assisterande tränare (assistant coach) used in many contexts.

Qualifications and training for tränare differ by country and sport, but many Swedish coaches pursue formal education through sport federations or higher education programs. Certification levels, ongoing education in pedagogy, physiology, sport science, and first aid are common features, and coaches are often required to engage in continuous development to maintain credentials and stay current with best practices.

Beyond sports, the term can also apply to personal trainers (personlig tränare) who design fitness programs for individuals, as well as animal trainers (djurtränare) who work on conditioning, behavior modification, and handling training for pets or performing animals. The exact duties depend on the context and domain of training.