Eksisterende

Eksisterende is a Norwegian adjective meaning that something currently exists or is in existence. It derives from the verb eksistere (to exist) and uses the -ende suffix to form a present participle/adjective, similar to the English word “existing.” It is used to distinguish what is already present from what is new, proposed, or planned.

In planning, construction, and architectural contexts, eksisterende is common in phrases such as eksisterende bygg (the building that already exists), eksisterende vei, or eksisterende infrastruktur. It serves to define a baseline or reference state, for example in environmental impact assessments or planning documents, where the eksisterende tilstand (the existing state) is compared with proposed changes or the planned future state.

In legal and administrative texts, eksisterende forhold may refer to current rights, obligations, or agreements. In information technology or business contexts, eksisterende systemer or eksisterende kunder refer to existing assets or customers, as opposed to new initiatives or onboarding.

The term tends to have a formal tone and is often interchangeable with synonyms like nåværende or aktuell in certain contexts, though eksisterende emphasizes the sense of being already present. It should not be confused with ny (new) or fremtidig (future). In Bokmål and Nynorsk usage, eksisterende is typically spelled the same way and is used with various noun phrases such as eksisterende bygg or eksisterende avtale.