Fjendtlighederne

Fjendtlighederne is the definite plural form of the Danish noun fjendtlighed, meaning hostilities or enmities. The term refers to periods or conditions marked by antagonism, hostility, or active conflict between groups, nations, organizations, or individuals. It can describe both formal diplomatic hostility and more informal antagonism that affects relations.

Etymology and grammar: The noun fjendtlighed is formed from fjendtlig, meaning hostile, and the abstract suffix -hed. The definite plural fjendtlighederne is used when the hostilities are specifically identified or known. The indefinite plural fjendtligheder and definite singular fjendtligheden are other inflected forms.

Usage: The phrase fjendtlighederne is common in historiography, political analysis, and formal journalism. It is used with a prepositional phrase such as "mellem X og Y" (between X and Y) or in temporal constructions like "i fjendtlighederne" (during the hostilities). The term carries a charge of severity and duration, contrasting with more neutral terms like konflikt or spænding.

Examples: One may refer to fjendtlighederne mellem rivaliserende stater in a historical overview, or to the ongoing fjendtlighederne i en konflikt mod en ikke-statlig aktør.

See also: fjendtlighed, fjende, konflikt, krig.