Félags

Félag is an Icelandic noun with several related meanings. It commonly refers to a group formed for a common purpose, such as a community, association, club, or company. In a broader sense it can denote social life or the fabric of relationships within a community. The word is widely used in everyday language and in official terminology to describe organizations as well as social life.

Félags is the genitive singular form of félag, and it is widely seen in compounds and descriptive terms. It appears as a root in words such as félagsfræði (sociology), félagslegt líf (social life), and félagsráðgjöf (social work). It also features in the names of organizations and in phrases related to social matters, rites, and policy.

Etymology and usage: Originating in Old Norse félag, meaning companionship or fellowship, the term has cognates across Norse languages. In modern Icelandic, the root félag underpins a broad family of words describing social life, associations, and organizational entities. In academic and public discourse, félag is used to discuss institutions, norms, and interactions that bind people together.