Bevægelsen

Bevægelsen is a Danish noun meaning “the movement” or “motion.” It derives from the verb bevæge, to move, and is used in both literal and figurative senses. In everyday language it denotes the act or state of moving, as in the movement of a body, limb, or machine, as well as more abstract change over time.

In social and political contexts, bevægelsen can refer to a collective effort to bring about change, i.e., a social or political movement. The term is often paired with a qualifier to specify the particular movement (for example, a workers’ movement or a student movement), or used more generally when the referent is understood from context.

In culture and art, bevægelsen is used to describe movements in art, literature, or music—terms such as art movement or literary movement, sometimes forming compound expressions like kunstbevægelse. Such usage captures shared ideas, styles, or goals that define a distinct period or school.

Grammatically, bevægelsen is the definite singular form of bevægelse and is used for both concrete and abstract references. The plural form is bevægelser. The term is common in Danish dictionaries and standard prose, carrying a neutral connotation without inherent ideological bias.