Arbejdere

Arbejdere is the Danish noun meaning "workers" or "laborers." It refers to people who perform paid labor, typically in manual, industrial, or service occupations. The form arbejdere is the plural; the singular is arbejder, and the definite plural is arbejderne. The term is widely used in economic, sociological, and political contexts to discuss labor, employment, and class.

Etymology and grammar: Arbejdere is formed from the verb arbejde (to work) with the agentive suffix -er, yielding a plural noun for people who work. The language distinguishes between arbejder (singular), arbejdere (plural), and arbejderne (definite plural “the workers”).

Usage and context: In Danish discourse, arbejdere denotes a broad segment of the workforce, often contrasted with managers, professionals, or farmers. It appears in statistics, media, and discussions of labor markets, unions, and the welfare state. Historically, the term has been associated with the Danish labor movement, which organized workers through trade unions and political activity. In contemporary use, it remains a descriptive category rather than a fixed political label.

Language and cognates: The word has cognates in other Scandinavian languages, such as Norwegian arbeider and Swedish arbetare, reflecting shared roots in the concept of labor.

See also: Arbejderbevægelsen (the Danish labor movement) and terms related to employment and labor organization, such as fagforening (trade union).