ändamålets

ändamålets is the definite possessive form of the Swedish noun ändamål, meaning “purpose” or “aim.” The noun ändamål is neuter; its definite form is ändamålet. The genitive or possessive singular is ändamålets, used to indicate something related to or belonging to the purpose. For example: ändamålets omfattning (the scope of the purpose) or ändamålets konsekvenser. The plural possessive singular form is ändamålets as well, while the plural possessive would be ändamålenas to indicate multiple purposes.

In Swedish grammar, the possessive is formed by adding -s to the definite form of the noun, so ändamålets precedes a noun phrase to express “the purpose’s …” The phrase appears in formal, legal, administrative, and academic contexts where the relationship between a goal and related aspects—such as law, policy, or procedure—is being described. Common collocations include ändamålets omfattning (the scope of the purpose), ändamålets effekt (the effect of the purpose), and ändamålets legitimitet (the legitimacy of the purpose).

A related ethical maxim is “ändamålet helgar medlen,” often translated as “the end justifies the means.” This idea is debated in ethics and political philosophy, with discussions focusing on consequences, proportionality, rights, and rule-based limits on actions. While the phrase highlights a consequentialist viewpoint, many scholars argue for safeguarding principles and due process regardless of intended ends.