Fagmann

Fagmann is a Nordic term used in Norwegian and Danish contexts to denote a person who has specialized knowledge or formal qualifications in a particular trade or subject. The word is derived from fag, meaning a field or subject, and mann, meaning man, and it is commonly understood to refer to someone who is a professional or expert capable of performing tasks that require technical competence.

Usage and scope: The term appears across various sectors, including construction, engineering, healthcare, and education. It is often found in job titles, official documents, and everyday speech to indicate that the individual has practical expertise in a given area. In trades and regulated professions, a fagmann may be expected to supervise work, provide competent advice, or sign off on compliance with relevant standards.

Distinctions: Fagmann should not be confused with faglærer (subject teacher) or with fagperson (a more general term for a professional). While related, fagmann emphasizes demonstrable expertise and the ability to apply knowledge in practice, rather than solely theoretical understanding.

Qualifications: The specific requirements to be regarded as a fagmann vary by country and field. They typically involve formal training, apprenticeships, certifications, or significant professional experience. In Norway, related concepts such as fagbrev (apprentice certificate) reflect a recognized level of competence that can underpin the status of a fagmann in trades.

See also: fagbrev, fagperson, professional, tradesman.