Avdødd

Avdødd is a Norwegian term that historically functions as a noun or adjective meaning the deceased person. In contemporary standard Norwegian, the more common forms are den avdøde (the deceased, singular) and de avdøde (the deceased, plural), while the adjective form avdød is used to describe someone who has died. The form avdødd appears chiefly in older texts, older orthography, or some dialectal varieties.

Etymology derives the word from the prefix av- meaning away or removed, and the noun død meaning dead. The double d in avdødd reflects older spelling conventions and was sometimes used in participial forms in historical Norwegian.

Usage is most often found in genealogical, ecclesiastical, and legal records, where avdødd or its variants designate the person who has died. In modern prose, den avdøde and de avdøde are more common, while avdødd is generally considered archaic or regional. For example, a museum label or a church register might refer to “den avdøde” or list “de avdøde” in a memorial context.

Notes emphasize that avdødd should not be confused with avdød used as an adjective in everyday language, or with avdøde as the standard modern noun for the deceased. The term is primarily encountered in archival, historical, or formal contexts, and its use has diminished in contemporary Norwegian outside of older documents and certain dialects.

See also: avdød, avdøde, død, den avdøde, de avdøde.