Åpenbar

Åpenbar is a Norwegian adjective meaning apparent, evident, or obvious. It describes something that is easy to see or understand, or a situation or statement that is clearly the case. In everyday use, åpenbar signals a high degree of perceptual or logical clarity.

Etymology and related forms: The word is derived from åpen, meaning open, with the suffix -bar, which forms adjectives expressing a quality or possibility. It is cognate with the German offenbar, which carries a similar meaning. The adverbial form åpenbart means “obviously” or “evidently.”

Usage: Åpenbar is typically used attributively before a noun, as in en åpenbar feil or et åpenbart problem, to mark the noun as evidently true or obvious. It can also function predicatively, as in Det er åpenbart at prosjektet trenger mer finansiering. The adverbial form åpenbart is used to modify verbs or clauses, for example, Det er åpenbart at han lyver.

Nuances and common collocations: Åpenbar emphasizes perceptual visibility or logical undeniability. It is often used in formal and informal registers to contrast with more nuanced or contested assessments. Common synonyms include tydelig, klar, innlysende, and åpenlyst, though each carries slightly different shades of meaning.

Translations and related terms: In English, åpenbar is commonly translated as apparent or obvious. In German, offenbar corresponds closely to the Norwegian term. In Norwegian grammar, the adjective inflects with gender and number, while the adverbial form åpenbart remains invariable.

See also: Expressions for obviousness in Norwegian, and related adjectives describing perceptual clarity.