verklig

Verklig is a Swedish adjective meaning real, true, or genuine. It is used to describe things that exist in reality rather than in thought, fiction, or appearance. The term can modify nouns directly, as in en verklig vän (a real friend) or verkliga händelser (real events). In common usage it also appears in expressions emphasizing authenticity, such as den verkliga världen, the real world.

Etymology and inflection: Verklig derives from the noun verklighet meaning reality. In Swedish it agrees with the noun it modifies: en verklig bok, verkliga böcker; den verkliga personen, de verkliga personerna. The adverb form is verkligt, meaning really or truly. The word is pervasive in both colloquial and formal language.

Philosophical and cultural usage: In philosophy and social sciences, verklig is used to distinguish what exists in fact from what is imagined, hypothetical, or idealized. The concept often appears in discussions of reality, perception, and authenticity, and it appears in phrases such as verklighetsuppfattning (perception of reality) or begreppet verklighet (the concept of reality). It also figures in journalism and arts to label genuine experiences or representations.

Branding and contemporary usage: Because it conveys authenticity, the term is sometimes employed in branding, marketing, or media to evoke trust and legitimacy. As such, it functions both as a general linguistic descriptor and as a cultural signal of genuineness in Swedish contexts.