Forholder

Forholder is a Norwegian verb meaning to relate to, to regard, or to take a stance toward something. It is most often used in the reflexive phrase å forholde seg til, which means to relate to, consider in relation to, or take a position regarding. The verb stems from holde (to hold) with the prefix for-, giving the sense of holding something in relation to something else. The term is primarily found in formal or semi-formal language, such as legal, political, and academic writing.

Usage and meanings

The phrase forholde seg til governs what is being related or considered. Examples include: Selskapet forholder seg til gjeldende regler (The company relates to/observes the applicable rules) and Partene forholder seg til avtalen (The parties adhere to the agreement). The verb can express agreement, stance, or consideration of facts. It is distinct from the noun forhold, which means relationship, condition, or circumstance, though the two share a common root.

Conjugation and forms

In present tense, common forms include jeg forholder and han forholder; the verb is typically found with the reflexive seg in the present. The past tense is usually forholdt, as in forholdt seg til saken. The perfect tense uses har forholdt seg. Exact forms may vary with regional usage, but the reflexive construction remains the core pattern in contemporary Norwegian.

See also

forhold (relationship or condition), forholde (to relate)