ønskelige

Onskelige is a Scandinavian adjective used in Danish and Norwegian to mean desirable or wished-for. It is the plural form of the adjective ønskelig, describing a plural noun. The word belongs to the common -lig family of adjectives formed from the verb ønske (to wish), and is related to the English descriptor desirable.

Usage and grammar

In Norwegian and Danish, ønskelig describes something that is considered advantageous or preferable. The plural form, ønskelige, is used before plural nouns. For example: ønske lige mål (desirable goals) or ønskelige resultater (desirable results). A frequent fixed construction is Det er ønskelig at …, meaning “It is desirable that …,” a formal way to express a recommended or preferred action. In definite or more formal contexts, the noun may take a definite plural ending, resulting in constructions like de ønskelige målene in Norwegian, though usage preferences vary by dialect and stylistic register.

Etymology and related forms

Onskelige derives from ønsk e (to wish) with the adjectival suffix -lig, a common pattern across Scandinavian languages. The base кор s aspirant form is ønskelig; the plural form ønskelige marks agreement with a plural noun. Cognates include English desirable and German wünschenswert, reflecting shared Germanic roots.

See also

ønske (to wish), ønsket (the wished-for), desired (English cognate). In Norwegian, synonyms and related phrases include Det er ønskelig and other expressions that convey desirability or advisability in formal writing.