Genvej

Genvej is a Danish term meaning a shortcut or the shorter route between two points. It is used in both physical and abstract contexts to describe a quicker or easier way to reach a goal, bypass a longer process, or save time and effort. In everyday language, people say “at tage en genvej” to mean taking a shortcut, and the phrase can be used metaphorically, for example to describe a faster path to success or a simpler solution to a problem.

Etymology and usage are straightforward: genvej combines gen- (a form suggesting repetition or going through again) with vej (way), but in this sense it denotes a shorter or more efficient path rather than a mere repetition. The term appears across domains, including travel, urban planning, and problem solving, where it often carries a pragmatic or practical connotation.

In computing and digital contexts, genvej functions as the Danish name for a shortcut to a file, folder, or program. Such shortcuts are commonly represented by icons that link to the target item, and the Danish term is also used in user interfaces to describe these links. The related term genvejstast refers to a keyboard shortcut, highlighting the broader notion of quick access through predefined commands.

Overall, genvej is a versatile word in Danish, centered on the idea of reducing distance or effort, whether on the ground, in daily tasks, or in technology.