återfördes

Återfördes is the preterite passive form of the Swedish verb återföra, meaning to bring back, restore, or reintroduce something to its original place, owner, or state. The prefix åter- signals a return to a former condition, while föra means to carry or bring. In the passive form, the subject receives the action, as in föremålen återfördes till deras ursprungsländer or ägaren; “the objects were returned.”

Användning and contexts include cultural heritage, law, and administration. It is commonly used in discussions of repatriation or restitution of artifacts, documents, and other items to their country of origin or rightful owner after investigation or dispute. The verb can also describe the return of people, animals, or assets to a previous situation, such as a property returning to its owner or a person being brought back to a home or custody. The wording emphasizes a completed action in the past.

Grammatical notes: återfördes is the simple past tense in the passive voice. The corresponding active form is återförde. Related terms include återföra (to return/restore), återföring (the act of returning or restoring), and repatriering/repatriation as a related concept in international contexts. In Swedish prose, återfördes commonly appears in historical records, legal documents, and reports on restitution or cultural heritage transfers.

Se även: återföring, återinförande, repatriering (repatriation).