Avhjelpe

Avhjelpe is a Norwegian verb meaning to relieve someone from a burden, duty, or obligation, often by providing assistance that reduces workload or stress. The nuance is that the relief is temporary or substitute-based, rather than a permanent removal. It can refer to freeing a person from tasks, or to alleviating a difficult situation by offering help.

Etymology: derived from prefix av- meaning away or off, plus hjelpe 'to help'; cognates exist in Danish afhjælpe and Swedish avhjälpa. In Norwegian, avhjelpe is most common in formal, administrative, or professional contexts, but is also used in everyday language.

Usage: typically transitive with a direct object being the burden or duty, for example: "Prosjektlederen avhjelper teamet ved å overta administrative oppgaver." "Ordningen avhjelper sykepleierne i travle perioder." It can also take an indirect object: "avhjelpe noen for noe" meaning to relieve someone of a task or responsibility.

Related terms: avlaste (to relieve from workload), avløse (to relieve from a duty or shift), hjelpe (to help).

See also: workplace relief measures, staffing, and administrative tasks in public or private sectors.