Benævnte

Benævnte is a Danish word functioning as an adjective derived from the verb benævne, meaning to name or designate. It is used to refer to something that has already been introduced or designated earlier in the text, essentially translating to “aforementioned” or “named previously.”

In grammar, benævnte behaves like a typical attributive adjective and agrees with the noun it modifies in definiteness and number: for example, den benævnte person (the aforementioned person) or de benævnte personer (the aforementioned persons). It is most common in formal writing, such as legal texts, minutes, and scholarly works, but you may also encounter it in general prose when precise cross-references are desired.

Etymology and formation: benævnte is formed from the verb benævne (to name or designate) with its past participle form. The prefix be- combined with nævne (to name) yields a word that denotes something that has already been named within the discourse.

Usage notes: benævnte carries a slightly more formal tone than simpler alternatives like nævnte or omtalte. In many contexts, it can be replaced by nævnte or nævnte i stedet for benævnte, but benævnte emphasizes the act of prior naming in the text, making it common in clauses that refer back to defined entities or conditions.

Example: Ifølge den benævnte protokol skal begge parter underskrive.