Dagbog

Dagbog is the Danish term for a diary or daily journal—a personal written record kept regularly to document events, experiences, thoughts and feelings. The word combines dag, meaning day, and bog, meaning book. In Danish and other Scandinavian languages, dagbog denotes a private or sometimes semi-private record of daily life, though the term can also refer to a professional logbook in certain contexts.

Diaries have a long history, and in the Danish-speaking world dagbogs have traditionally served as a means to remember daily life, reflect on experiences, and preserve observations for future reference. Many diaries later become valuable historical sources, providing insight into personal perspectives and everyday life in different eras.

Common formats include bound notebooks and digital tools such as diary apps or blogs. Types of dagbogs vary: personal diaries focus on daily events and feelings; travel diaries recount journeys; dream diaries document nocturnal imagery; gratitude diaries record things one is grateful for; and work or scientific notebooks function as professional logs.

The practice can support memory, self-reflection, and writing skills, and is often used for therapeutic purposes in psychology and counselling. Privacy and ethical considerations are important, as diary entries may reveal sensitive information. Notable examples include Anne Frank’s diary, which has become a significant historical and literary work, illustrating both personal experience and broader social context.