Ettertrinnet

Ettertrinnet is a Norwegian term that can refer to the next or upper level in a sequence, and it can be used both literally and figuratively. The word is formed from etter- meaning after or subsequent and trinn meaning step or level. While etasje is the standard Norwegian word for a building’s floor, ettertrinnet appears mainly in older texts, regional dialects, or in figurative language where it denotes a higher tier or the next phase beyond an initial step.

In architectural or descriptive contexts, ettertrinnet may be used to refer to an upper storey or space above the main floor in historical or narrative descriptions, but it is not the common term for a floor in contemporary Norwegian. More precise terms such as etasje, loft, or andre etasje are typically preferred in modern usage.

Figuratively, ettertrinnet is well suited to discussions of progression, planning, or hierarchy, signaling the stage that follows an initial step. For example, in project planning or strategic discussions, one might talk about the ettertrinnet i utviklingen to mean the next phase or level of development.

Etymologically, the word is transparent to speakers of Norwegian, combining etter- with trinn. Its usage is largely contextual and varies by region and formality. In standard reference works and everyday language, higher formalisms tend to favor etasje or loft, while ettertrinnet appears primarily in more literary or historical contexts. See also etasje, loft, trinn.