vänner

Vänner is the Swedish plural form of the noun vän, meaning "friend." A friend is typically a person with whom one has mutual affection, trust, support, and shared interests. Friends can be longtime companions or more casual social connections, and they often provide emotional support, companionship, and practical help.

In Swedish grammar, vän is an en-ord (a common-gender noun). Indefinite singular is en vän, plural is vänner. Definite forms are vännen (singular) and vännerna (plural). Common phrases include min vän (my friend) and mina vänner (my friends).

Vänner are distinguished from kompisar in everyday usage; kompisar generally denotes casual or informal peers, while vänner implies a closer or more chosen relationship. A friend group can be described as en vänkrets or vänner, with expressions such as gamla vänner (old friends) or nya vänner (new friends).

In contemporary Sweden, as in many societies, friendship spans in-person and online contexts. Vänskap is considered a source of social support and well-being, contributing to resilience and life satisfaction. Cultural norms around friendship often emphasize reciprocity, equality, openness, and mutual respect.

See also: vänskap, social relations, psychology of friendship.