Egenhånd

Egenhånd is a term used in Danish (and to some extent Norwegian) to denote something that is produced by a person’s own hand—written, signed, or personally authored—rather than by someone else or by mechanical means. The word combines egen, meaning own, with hånd, meaning hand, and is closely related to phrases such as i egenhånd or i egen hånd, which emphasize personal authorship.

In practice, egenhånd is most often encountered in legal, administrative, or formal contexts. A declaration, affidavit, or statement described as skrevet i egenhånd or erklæring i egenhånd indicates that the content was produced by the individual themselves and not copied or prepared by a third party. The term also appears in cultural or historical discussions to distinguish autograph manuscripts or letters written in the author’s own hand from printed copies or fair copies prepared by others.

Historically, egenhånd has served as a mark of authenticity and personal commitment, particularly in documents where the signer’s personal accountability was important. In modern usage, the concept remains relevant in certain legal or ceremonial contexts, though electronic signatures and other forms of authentication have broadened the ways authenticity can be established.

Overall, egenhånd signals personal authorship and handwriting, distinguishing a document or statement as something personally produced rather than produced or verified by others. Related notions include autograph, handwriting, and signature.