ämne

Ämne is a Swedish noun with several related meanings centered on the idea of something that can be studied, discussed, or composed of matter. In education, ämne denotes a school subject or course, such as matematik (mathematics), historia (history), or biologi (biology). In everyday language, it can also mean a matter or topic that is being considered or discussed, as in “ett viktigt ämne” or “ämnet för dagens lektion.”

In science and everyday usage, ämne refers to a substance or material with distinct properties. It can describe any physical matter, including chemical substances and mixtures. In more technical contexts, you may encounter phrases like “kemiskt ämne” (a chemical substance) or, more specifically, “grundämne” for a chemical element. These distinctions help differentiate between general matter and specific components of matter.

Grammar and usage notes: ämne is a neuter noun. The indefinite singular form is ett ämne, the definite singular form is ämnet, the indefinite plural form is ämnen, and the definite plural form is ämnena. In sentences, definite phrases commonly position the definite form at the end, for example “Ämnet för dagen är klimatförändringar.”

See also: tema, grundämne, kemiskt ämne, ämnesområden.