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B2 noun 12 min read

komplikation

Examples komplikation in 30 Seconds
Explanation komplikation in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'komplikation' yourself very often, but you might see it in simple forms. Think of it as a fancy word for 'problem'. In Swedish, when we start learning, we focus on basic needs. However, if you are at a doctor's office in Sweden, you might hear this word. It simply means something extra happened that was not good. For example, if you have a cold and then you get a sore ear, that is a 'komplikation'. At this level, just remember that it is an 'en-word' (en komplikation) and it sounds almost like the English word. If you see it, don't be afraid! It just means things got a little bit harder. You can usually replace it with 'ett problem' in your own speaking to keep it simple. Most A1 learners will encounter it in signs or very basic health brochures. The most important thing to know is that 'komplikation' is negative. If someone says it, they are talking about a difficulty. It is pronounced with a 'sh' sound at the end: kom-pli-ka-shoon. Try to listen for that ending in other Swedish words like 'station' or 'information'. They all work the same way! So, 'komplikation' is just a long word for a new problem that comes after another one.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to build a more solid vocabulary. You should recognize 'komplikation' as a more formal way to say 'problem'. You might use it when talking about your health or a project at work. For example, 'Jag har en komplikation' (I have a complication). You should also know the plural form: 'komplikationer'. In Sweden, people are very organized, so they like to use specific words. If you are describing why a trip was delayed, you could say 'Det blev en komplikation med tåget'. This sounds a bit better than just saying 'Det var dåligt'. You will also start to see this word in news headlines. Swedish news often uses 'komplikationer' when talking about politics or the economy. A good phrase to learn is 'utan komplikationer', which means 'without complications'. You can use this to describe a smooth process. 'Allt gick bra, utan komplikationer.' This is a very useful phrase for giving updates to friends or colleagues. Remember that the word is a noun. If you want to say something is 'complicated', you use the adjective 'komplicerad'. Don't mix them up! At A2, you are moving from simple words to words that show you understand the situation is a bit more 'extra'.
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By B1, you should be able to use 'komplikation' in a variety of contexts, especially in professional or semi-formal situations. You understand that a 'komplikation' is not just any problem, but a secondary one that arises from an existing situation. For instance, in a discussion about a school project, you might say, 'Vi har en komplikation: materialet har inte kommit än.' You are also becoming more aware of Swedish word order and how 'komplikation' fits into sentences. You should be familiar with common verbs that go with it, like 'uppstå' (to arise) or 'tillstöta' (to occur). A B1 learner knows that 'Det uppstod komplikationer' is a very common way to start an explanation for a delay. You are also starting to see how the word is used in medical contexts in Sweden. If you read a health blog, you will see 'komplikationer vid diabetes' or 'komplikationer efter operation'. You should also be able to use some adjectives with the word, like 'oväntad' (unexpected) or 'allvarlig' (serious). 'En oväntad komplikation' is a great phrase to have in your toolbox. At this level, you should also be able to distinguish 'komplikation' from 'hinder' (obstacle). A 'hinder' is something in your way, while a 'komplikation' is an added layer of difficulty within the process itself.
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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'komplikation' with precision and correct grammar. You understand the nuance that a complication is an 'entanglement' of factors. You can use it fluently in professional settings, such as during a meeting or in a written report. For example, you might explain a budget deficit by saying, 'De tekniska komplikationerna i projektets slutfas ledde till ökade kostnader.' You are also comfortable with the definite forms: 'komplikationen' and 'komplikationerna'. You can use the word to discuss abstract topics, like 'diplomatiska komplikationer' or 'juridiska komplikationer'. At B2, you should also know the difference between 'komplikation' and 'biverkning' (side effect), and 'förveckling' (plot complication). You can use 'komplikation' to add weight to your arguments. Instead of saying 'it's hard', you describe the 'komplikationer' that make it hard. This shows a higher level of analytical thinking in Swedish. You should also be able to use the word in the passive voice or with complex sentence structures, such as 'Trots att inga komplikationer förväntades, tillstötte ändå flera problem under resans gång.' Your pronunciation should be clear, especially the '-tion' suffix. You are now using the word to navigate more complex Swedish societal structures, from insurance claims to healthcare discussions.
At the C1 level, you use 'komplikation' with the same ease as a native speaker, recognizing its subtle connotations in different registers. You might use it in academic writing to describe the 'systemiska komplikationer' (systemic complications) of a theory or a social model. You understand that in high-level Swedish, 'komplikation' can sometimes be used ironically or as a stylistic choice to understate a major disaster. You are also aware of the word's etymological roots and how it relates to other words in the 'komplicera' family. You can discuss the 'komplikationsgrad' (degree of complication) of a task. In a legal or philosophical debate, you might point out the 'etiska komplikationer' of a particular stance. Your use of collocations is natural; you know that complications don't just 'happen', they 'tillstöter', 'uppstår', or 'man drabbas av' them. You can also use the word in the plural to describe a general state of affairs: 'Livets alla komplikationer'. At this level, you are sensitive to the tone; you know that using 'komplikation' in a very casual setting might sound slightly 'akademiskt' (academic) or 'torrt' (dry), and you choose it intentionally to achieve a specific effect. You can also handle the word in fast-paced debates, integrating it into complex arguments about policy or science.
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At the C2 level, 'komplikation' is a tool for nuanced expression. You can use it in highly specialized fields, such as advanced medicine, law, or philosophy, with absolute accuracy. You might discuss the 'patofysiologiska komplikationerna' (pathophysiological complications) of a rare condition or the 'konstitutionella komplikationerna' (constitutional complications) of a new piece of legislation. You understand the word's role in the 'kanslisvenska' (administrative Swedish) tradition, where it often serves to neutralize or objectify difficult situations. You can analyze how 'komplikation' is used in literature to create tension or 'förvecklingar'. Your mastery of the word includes knowing all its synonyms and being able to explain the microscopic differences between 'komplikation', 'problematik', and 'kontrovers'. You can use the word in creative writing to describe the 'själsliga komplikationer' (spiritual/soulful complications) of a character. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are playing with its weight and history in the Swedish language. You can use it in metaphors or as part of a sophisticated rhetorical strategy. Whether you are writing a doctoral thesis or a lead editorial for 'Dagens Nyheter', 'komplikation' is a word you use to bring clarity to complexity, paradoxically enough.
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Examples

komplikation in 30 Seconds

  • A secondary problem that makes a situation harder.
  • Commonly used in medical, legal, and professional contexts.
  • An 'en-word' (en komplikation) with plural 'komplikationer'.
  • Often paired with verbs like 'uppstå' or 'tillstöta'.

The Swedish word komplikation is a noun that mirrors the English word 'complication' in both form and function, yet it carries specific nuances in Swedish social and professional contexts. At its core, a komplikation refers to an added circumstance that makes a situation more difficult, intricate, or complex than it was initially. It is not merely a 'problem' (problem) or a 'hindrance' (hinder); rather, it implies a secondary development that arises from an existing condition. In medical terminology, it is the standard term for a secondary disease or condition that develops during the course of a primary disease or after a procedure, significantly altering the prognosis or treatment plan. Beyond the hospital walls, Swedes use 'komplikation' to describe unexpected hitches in legal processes, technical projects, or even interpersonal relationships where a simple matter becomes 'folded' or 'entangled' with new issues.

Medical Context
In Swedish healthcare, a 'komplikation' is an adverse event that is not part of the natural progression of the disease but is triggered by it or by the treatment. For example, an infection after surgery is 'en postoperativ komplikation'.

Tyvärr uppstod en oväntad komplikation under läkningsprocessen som kräver ytterligare medicinering.

In a broader societal sense, the word is used when discussing bureaucracy or logistics. When a Swede says 'det har tillstött komplikationer', they are often signaling that a timeline will be delayed or a budget will be exceeded because of factors that were not part of the original plan. It carries a tone of professional objectivity; it is less emotional than 'elände' (misery) and more specific than 'krångel' (hassle). It suggests that the situation has become objectively more multifaceted. The word is frequently paired with the verb 'uppstå' (to arise) or 'tillstöta' (to occur/supervene).

Project Management
When building infrastructure or developing software, a 'teknisk komplikation' refers to a bug or structural issue that was discovered late in the process, necessitating a change in strategy.

Furthermore, the word is used in legal and diplomatic Swedish to describe developments that make negotiations harder. If two parties are close to an agreement and a new law is passed that affects the contract, that is a 'juridisk komplikation'. This usage highlights the 'entanglement' aspect of the word's etymology. It is important to note that 'komplikation' is almost always something negative or at least something that requires extra effort to resolve. You would never have a 'positive complication' in Swedish; instead, you would use 'fördel' (advantage) or 'möjlighet' (opportunity).

Förhandlingarna avbröts på grund av diplomatiska komplikationer mellan länderna.

Grammar Tip
The word is an 'en-word' (common gender). The plural is 'komplikationer'. In the definite form, it becomes 'komplikationen' (singular) and 'komplikationerna' (plural).

Allt gick enligt plan och förlossningen skedde helt utan komplikationer.

Vi måste vara beredda på eventuella komplikationer när vi lanserar den nya produkten.

Using 'komplikation' correctly in Swedish requires an understanding of its grammatical behavior and the verbs it typically associates with. As an 'en-word', it follows the standard declension pattern: en komplikation, komplikationen, komplikationer, komplikationerna. The most common verb used to describe the appearance of a complication is uppstå (to arise). For example, 'En komplikation har uppstått' (A complication has arisen). In more formal or medical contexts, the verb tillstöta is preferred, which specifically means to come as an addition or to supervene. If you are describing the absence of trouble, the phrase utan komplikationer is the gold standard.

Verb Pairings
Common verbs: uppstå (arise), tillstöta (occur/supervene), undvika (avoid), hantera (handle), förebygga (prevent).

Det är viktigt att vi försöker förebygga varje tänkbar komplikation genom noggrann planering.

When modifying 'komplikation' with adjectives, you will often find words like oväntad (unexpected), allvarlig (serious), lindrig (mild), or teknisk (technical). Because 'komplikation' is a common gender noun, these adjectives must agree in gender. For example, 'en allvarlig komplikation' but 'flera allvarliga komplikationer'. In formal writing, such as a medical report or a technical audit, the word is used to categorize specific setbacks. Instead of saying 'something went wrong', a professional would write 'en komplikation i form av [specific issue] noterades'. This level of precision is expected at the B2 level and above.

Adjective Agreement
Singular: En oväntad komplikation. Plural: Många oväntade komplikationer. Definite: Den oväntade komplikationen.

In everyday conversation, the word can be used somewhat more loosely to describe a 'hitch' in plans. If you are trying to book a flight and the website crashes, you might tell a friend: 'Det blev en komplikation med bokningen'. However, even in casual speech, it retains a slightly more 'organized' or 'official' feel than the word 'strul' (mess/hassle). If you want to sound more sophisticated or precise about why something is taking longer, 'komplikation' is your best choice. It shifts the blame from a person to the complexity of the situation itself.

Trots vissa komplikationer med visumet lyckades hon resa i tid.

Prepositional Phrases
Komplikationer med någonting (complications with something). Komplikationer efter någonting (complications after something).

Läkarna övervakar patienten för att se om det uppstår några komplikationer efter ingreppet.

Det dök upp en juridisk komplikation som vi inte hade räknat med i kontraktet.

In Sweden, you will encounter the word 'komplikation' in several distinct environments, each with its own flavor. The most frequent location is undoubtedly the healthcare system (sjukvården). If you listen to a Swedish medical podcast like 'Läkarpodden' or read news about health on 'SVT Nyheter', you will hear doctors discussing 'komplikationsrisker' (risks of complications). Swedish society places a high value on transparency in healthcare, so when a procedure has a high risk of side effects, the word 'komplikation' is used to describe those secondary issues. Patients are often asked to sign forms acknowledging 'risken för komplikationer'.

In the Media
News anchors use the word when reporting on delayed infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the 'Förbifart Stockholm' or the 'Västlänken' tunnel, where geological 'komplikationer' often lead to billion-krona budget increases.

Bygget av den nya bron har försenats på grund av geologiska komplikationer i marken.

Another sphere where 'komplikation' is ubiquitous is the corporate world. During a 'kvartalsrapport' (quarterly report), a CEO might explain a dip in profits by citing 'komplikationer i leveranskedjan' (complications in the supply chain). Here, the word serves as a professional euphemism for 'things didn't go as planned'. It sounds more responsible and analytical than saying 'vi hade problem'. It implies that the management is looking at the situation as a set of variables to be solved. If you work in a Swedish office, you might hear a colleague say, 'Det blev lite komplikationer med IT-systemet imorse', explaining why they couldn't access their files.

Legal and Formal Documents
In contracts or insurance policies, you will see sections titled 'Eventuella komplikationer' or 'Ansvarsbegränsning vid komplikationer', outlining what happens if things get complicated.

You will also hear this word in educational settings, particularly in higher education. Professors in social sciences or law might lecture on the 'etiska komplikationer' (ethical complications) of a specific policy. In this context, the word moves away from 'trouble' and closer to 'complexity'. It suggests that a simple answer is not possible because there are many conflicting factors. In literature and film reviews, a critic might praise a plot for its 'intressanta komplikationer', meaning the twists and turns that keep the audience engaged. Thus, while usually negative in practical life, in art, 'komplikationer' can be a sign of quality and depth.

Filmen utforskar de moraliska komplikationer som uppstår vid modern krigföring.

Det uppstod en komplikation med min deklaration förra året.

Vi vill undvika onödiga komplikationer i slutet av projektet.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when using 'komplikation' in Swedish is using it as a synonym for 'complex' (the adjective). In English, we might say 'the situation is a complication', but we often confuse it with 'the situation is complicated'. In Swedish, you must distinguish between the noun komplikation and the adjective komplicerad. You cannot say 'Situationen är en komplikation' if you mean 'The situation is complicated'. You would say 'Situationen är komplicerad'. Use the noun only when referring to a specific added event or factor that *is* the complication.

Noun vs. Adjective
Wrong: 'Det här är en mycket komplikation uppgift.' (This is a very complication task.)
Right: 'Det här är en mycket komplicerad uppgift.' (This is a very complicated task.)

Det är en vanlig komplikation att patienter glömmer att ta sin medicin.

Another frequent error is the preposition choice. English speakers often want to use 'of' (av) because of 'complication of'. In Swedish, we usually use 'med' (with) or 'vid' (at/during). For example, 'komplikationer med hjärtat' (complications with the heart) or 'komplikationer vid operationen' (complications during the surgery). Using 'av' is sometimes possible but can sound like the complication was *caused by* the heart, which is semantically slightly different. Furthermore, don't confuse 'komplikation' with 'biverkning' (side effect). A side effect is a known, often expected result of a drug, whereas a complication is an unexpected, secondary medical problem.

Preposition Errors
Avoid: 'Komplikationer av projektet.'
Use: 'Komplikationer i projektet' or 'Komplikationer med projektet'.

Lastly, learners sometimes use 'komplikation' when a simpler word like 'problem' or 'hinder' would be more natural. If you can't find your keys, it's not a 'komplikation'; it's a 'problem'. If there is a tree across the road, it's a 'hinder'. Use 'komplikation' when there is a layer of complexity or a secondary issue involved. For instance, if you can't find your keys (problem) and then you realize the spare keys are locked inside the safe you just lost the code to—*that* is a complication. Overusing high-level words can make your Swedish sound 'stiff' (stel) or overly dramatic if the situation is trivial.

Att glömma passet var ett problem, men att tåget var inställt var en ytterligare komplikation.

Spelling Note
Swedish: Komplikation (one 'm', 'k', 'tion').
English: Complication ('c', 'tion'). The pronunciation of '-tion' in Swedish is /ɧuːn/.

Jag hoppas att vi kan lösa detta utan fler komplikationer.

Det finns en risk för komplikationer om man inte följer instruktionerna.

To enrich your Swedish vocabulary, it is essential to know when to use 'komplikation' versus its synonyms. The most common alternative is problem. While a 'komplikation' is an added difficulty, a 'problem' is any situation that needs to be solved. If you want to describe a tangle or a messy situation, use trassel or krångel. These are more informal and suggest a confusing but perhaps less serious issue. For example, 'papperskrångel' (paperwork hassle) is very common in Swedish conversations about bureaucracy.

Comparison: Komplikation vs. Trassel
Komplikation: Formal, objective, secondary issue (e.g., medical, legal).
Trassel: Informal, suggests entanglement or confusion (e.g., 'trassel med kärleken' - love troubles).

Det blev lite trassel med tidtabellen, men vi kom fram till slut.

Another important word is förveckling. This is often used in literature or drama to describe a 'plot complication' or a misunderstanding between people that leads to a complex situation. It has a slightly more old-fashioned or narrative feel than 'komplikation'. If the difficulty is a physical or abstract barrier, use hinder (obstacle). If it is a setback in progress, motgång (adversity/setback) is appropriate. In a medical context, you might also hear följdsjukdom, which specifically means a disease that follows another, essentially a synonym for a medical complication.

Comparison: Komplikation vs. Motgång
Komplikation: An added complexity to a process.
Motgång: A personal or professional failure or setback (e.g., 'han har mött många motgångar i livet').

When discussing technical issues, driftstörning (operational disturbance) is often used instead of 'komplikation' when a service is interrupted. If the issue is a minor annoyance, besvär is a good choice. For example, 'andningsbesvär' (breathing difficulties) is less intense than a 'komplikation'. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that matches the gravity and the domain of the situation. At the B2 level, being able to switch between 'det uppstod en komplikation' and 'det blev lite strul' based on your audience is a key sign of fluency.

Vi drabbades av en driftstörning som påverkade alla våra kunder.

Summary of Alternatives
1. Problem (General)
2. Hinder (Obstacle)
3. Motgång (Setback)
4. Krångel/Strul (Hassle/Mess)
5. Förveckling (Intricate plot point)

Efter många förvecklingar fick de äntligen varandra i slutet av boken.

Det är inga problem, vi löser det snabbt!

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Examples by Level

1

Det är en komplikation.

It is a complication.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

2

Jag har inga komplikationer.

I have no complications.

Plural form 'komplikationer' used with 'inga' (none).

3

En liten komplikation uppstod.

A small complication arose.

Use of 'uppstod' (past tense of uppstå).

4

Är det en komplikation?

Is it a complication?

Question structure with verb first.

5

Vi ser en komplikation här.

We see a complication here.

Present tense 'ser'.

6

Det finns en risk för komplikation.

There is a risk of complication.

Preposition 'för' (for/of).

7

Komplikationen är ny.

The complication is new.

Definite singular 'komplikationen'.

8

Ingen vill ha en komplikation.

No one wants a complication.

Negative 'ingen' as subject.

1

Operationen gick utan komplikationer.

The operation went without complications.

Common phrase 'utan komplikationer'.

2

Det blev en komplikation med min resa.

There was a complication with my trip.

Preposition 'med' (with).

3

Läkaren pratar om komplikationer.

The doctor is talking about complications.

Plural indefinite 'komplikationer'.

4

Vi måste undvika komplikationer.

We must avoid complications.

Modal verb 'måste' + infinitive 'undvika'.

5

Det dök upp en oväntad komplikation.

An unexpected complication appeared.

Adjective 'oväntad' (unexpected).

6

Komplikationerna var inte så stora.

The complications were not that big.

Definite plural 'komplikationerna'.

7

Finns det risk för några komplikationer?

Is there a risk of any complications?

Use of 'några' (any/some).

8

Vi löste komplikationen snabbt.

We solved the complication quickly.

Definite singular object 'komplikationen'.

1

En teknisk komplikation försenade tåget.

A technical complication delayed the train.

Adjective 'teknisk' modifying the noun.

2

Det uppstod komplikationer under mötet.

Complications arose during the meeting.

Verb 'uppstod' (arose).

3

Vi planerar för att slippa komplikationer.

We are planning to avoid complications.

Verb 'slippa' (to avoid/be spared from).

4

Patienten drabbades av en allvarlig komplikation.

The patient suffered a serious complication.

Verb 'drabbades av' (was hit by/suffered from).

5

Det finns juridiska komplikationer i detta fall.

There are legal complications in this case.

Adjective 'juridiska' (legal).

6

Han förklarade komplikationen för oss.

He explained the complication to us.

Definite singular 'komplikationen'.

7

Utan rätt vård kan komplikationer tillstöta.

Without proper care, complications can occur.

Formal verb 'tillstöta'.

8

Projektet har drabbats av flera komplikationer.

The project has suffered several complications.

Present perfect 'har drabbats'.

1

En komplikation tillstötte efter det kirurgiska ingreppet.

A complication occurred after the surgical procedure.

Formal verb 'tillstötte'.

2

Vi måste hantera dessa komplikationer omedelbart.

We must handle these complications immediately.

Demonstrative 'dessa' (these).

3

Det finns en risk för medicinska komplikationer på sikt.

There is a risk of medical complications in the long run.

Phrase 'på sikt' (in the long run).

4

Diplomatiska komplikationer försvårade förhandlingarna.

Diplomatic complications made the negotiations more difficult.

Verb 'försvårade' (made more difficult).

5

Trots vissa komplikationer nådde vi vårt mål.

Despite some complications, we reached our goal.

Preposition 'trots' (despite).

6

Det uppstod en komplikation i samband med leveransen.

A complication arose in connection with the delivery.

Phrase 'i samband med' (in connection with).

7

Analysen visar på eventuella komplikationer.

The analysis points to possible complications.

Adjective 'eventuella' (possible/potential).

8

Hur ska vi förebygga framtida komplikationer?

How shall we prevent future complications?

Verb 'förebygga' (prevent).

1

De etiska komplikationerna av beslutet är omfattande.

The ethical complications of the decision are extensive.

Abstract usage of the noun.

2

Systemet är sårbart för oförutsedda komplikationer.

The system is vulnerable to unforeseen complications.

Adjective 'oförutsedda' (unforeseen).

3

Artikeln belyser komplikationerna vid implementeringen.

The article highlights the complications during implementation.

Verb 'belyser' (highlights/illuminates).

4

En rad komplikationer ledde till att avtalet revs upp.

A series of complications led to the contract being torn up.

Phrase 'en rad' (a series of).

5

Man bör beakta de psykologiska komplikationerna.

One should consider the psychological complications.

Formal pronoun 'man' and verb 'beakta' (consider).

6

Komplikationerna vid gränsdragningen var betydande.

The complications during the border demarcation were significant.

Noun 'gränsdragningen' (border demarcation).

7

Detta medförde ytterligare komplikationer för företaget.

This entailed further complications for the company.

Verb 'medförde' (entailed/brought about).

8

Vi måste se bortom de omedelbara komplikationerna.

We must look beyond the immediate complications.

Phrase 'se bortom' (look beyond).

1

De inneboende komplikationerna i teorin underminerar dess validitet.

The inherent complications in the theory undermine its validity.

Adjective 'inneboende' (inherent).

2

En noggrann distinktion mellan biverkning och komplikation är nödvändig.

A careful distinction between side effect and complication is necessary.

Scientific/academic register.

3

Komplikationerna vid tolkningen av lagtexten är legio.

The complications in interpreting the legal text are legion.

Idiomatic expression 'är legio' (are many/legion).

4

Den geopolitiska dynamiken skapar ständigt nya komplikationer.

The geopolitical dynamics constantly create new complications.

Advanced vocabulary like 'dynamik'.

5

Författaren skildrar skickligt de mänskliga relationernas komplikationer.

The author skillfully portrays the complications of human relationships.

Verb 'skildrar' (portrays/depicts).

6

Dessa komplikationer utgör ett fundamentalt hinder för framsteg.

These complications constitute a fundamental obstacle to progress.

Verb 'utgör' (constitutes).

7

Man kan inte ignorera de socioekonomiska komplikationerna.

One cannot ignore the socio-economic complications.

Compound adjective 'socioekonomiska'.

8

En syntes av de olika komplikationerna krävs för en helhetsbild.

A synthesis of the various complications is required for a complete picture.

Noun 'syntes' (synthesis).

Synonyms

problem svårighet hinder trassel krångel förveckling
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