Dregning

Dregning is a term used in Danish and Norwegian with more than one sense, depending on the context. In everyday language, it may refer to the removal or drawing off of material, especially sediment, liquid, or other unwanted matter, rather than to arithmetic calculation, which is usually called regning.

In civil engineering and water management, dregning refers to dredging. Dredging is the process of removing sediment from the bottom of rivers, harbors, or other waterways to maintain or increase depth and improve navigation, flood control, or land reclamation. The work is performed with specialized equipment such as dredgers, which can be cutter suction, hopper, or mechanical dredgers. Dredging projects are planned with environmental assessments and regulatory permits because sediment removal can affect water quality, habitats, and shoreline dynamics.

In culinary, beverage, and laboratory contexts, dregning describes drawing off liquid from a mixture or leaving behind solids. This can occur when pouring wine or coffee to avoid sediment, or when separating liquid from a solid residue after brewing, fermentation, or sampling. The term is related to the English concept of “drawing off the dregs,” though usage varies by dialect.

Historically, the exact meaning of dregning can vary, and in modern Danish, the term is most commonly encountered in the sense of removing sediment or liquid. It is not the standard term for arithmetic calculation, which is regning. Etymologically, the word is connected to the core idea of drawing away or removing material from a mixture or environment. See also dredging, decanting, sediment, and related terms.