Fastlægger

Fastlægger is the present tense form of the Danish verb fastlægge, meaning to determine, establish, or fix something definitively. The term is commonly used in formal, administrative, legal, or planning contexts where decisions define content, standards, dates, rules, or criteria. It often implies a deliberate, official determination rather than a casual decision.

Etymology and grammar: fastlægge is formed from fast meaning fixed and lægge meaning to lay or place. The infinitive is fastlægge; present tense is fastlægger; the simple past is fastlagde, and the past participle is fastlagt. The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object, as in fastlægge regler, fastlægge en dato, or fastlægge kriterier. In some constructions, it can be followed by a clause introduced by at to specify what is being determined, for example: Vi fastlægger, at mødet begynder kl. 10.

Usage notes: fastlægge is often contrasted with fastsætte. While both can mean to set or determine, fastlægge tends to emphasize defining the content or precise specification (what is to be done, what the rules are, what the standards are), whereas fastsætte more often refers to setting boundaries, limits, or rates (such as prices, deadlines, or maximums). In everyday language, synonyms like bestemme or definere may be used, but fastlægge carries a sense of formal determination.

Examples: Virksomheden fastlægger sine standarder. Kommunen har fastlagt en ny tidsplan. Regeringen fastlægger regler for affaldsindsamling.