Etymology

Used in Swedish at least since the 16th century, from German besichtigen ‎(“to walk around and have a careful look at, to inspect”), where the derived noun is Besichtigung ‎(“inspection”). The shorter alternative form besikta is just as old, and corresponds to Dutch bezichten and an older German besichten. The Swedish derived noun has always been besiktning which mixes better with the shorter form of the verb, since it lacks the -ig component. Yet, the shorter form of the Swedish verb is often claimed to be less correct. Equivalent to be- +‎ sikt +‎ -iga.