Forbruk

Forbruk is a Norwegian term that denotes the act of using up goods and services to satisfy needs and desires. It can refer to the consumption of material goods, energy, time, or other resources.

In economics, forbruk is a central element of aggregate demand. In national accounts, private consumption (privat forbruk) covers households’ expenditures on goods and services, while public or government consumption (offentlig forbruk) includes government purchases of non-capital items. Together with investment and net exports, forbruk contributes to Gross Domestic Product.

Forbruk is typically measured through households’ spending, often referred to as forbruksutgifter. It is influenced by disposable income, wealth, interest rates, prices, expectations, and demographic factors. Policy instruments such as taxes and subsidies can also affect the level and composition of forbruk.

The term encompasses different forms of spending, including durable goods (cars, appliances), nondurable goods (food, clothing), services, and, in energy contexts, energy forbruk. In environmental and resource studies, forbruk may refer to broader patterns of resource use beyond financial expenditures.

High or rising forbruk can increase living standards but may also raise environmental impact. Sustainable consumption policies aim to decouple growth in forbruk from resource depletion through efficiency, conservation, and the circular economy.

The concept is used across economics, sociology, and policy analysis, reflecting how individuals, households, and governments allocate resources to satisfy needs and desires.