Afløser

Afløser is a Danish term for a person who temporarily takes over the duties of another person who is unavailable, such as due to vacation, illness, or the absence of a permanent replacement. The word comes from the Danish verb afløse, meaning to relieve or replace, with the agent noun suffix -er. In everyday Danish usage, afløser describes someone who provides relief coverage or acts as a stand-in in a work setting.

Common contexts for afløsere include healthcare, education, security, and municipal services, where shifts or tasks must continue during absences. Afløsere cover shifts, attend classes, or perform regular duties while the regular worker is away. They may be hired specifically for short periods or fill in under a longer arrangement. Plans for relief coverage can be scheduled (for vacations) or arranged on an ad hoc basis (for sick leave or emergencies).

Afløsere are related to, but distinct from, vikars. While both terms describe temporary substitutes, afløser emphasizes the act of relieving or substituting the current worker, whereas vikar often denotes a formal temporary appointment to fill a position. In practice, the terms can be used interchangeably in some contexts, though the nuance is that afløser highlights the relief performance rather than a long-term job title.