Gjerrighed

Gjerrighed is a Danish noun describing the state or quality of extreme reluctance to part with one's wealth or resources, commonly translated as greed or avarice, though in Danish usage it is often closer to stinginess or miserliness. The term denotes not only the desire to possess but also a pattern of unwillingness to share, even when sharing would be reasonable or beneficial.

Etymology: The noun is formed from the adjective gjerrig ("stingy, greedy") plus the abstract-noun suffix -hed. Cognate forms are found in neighboring Scandinavian languages, such as Norwegian gjerrighet and Swedish girighet, reflecting common Germanic roots.

Usage and nuance: In Danish discourse, gjerrighed is typically negative and moralized. It appears in religious, ethical, and social commentary, contrasting with generosity and charity. It can describe an individual’s character or a specific act of hoarding or reluctance to help others.

Examples in culture: In literature and sermons, gjerrighed is invoked as a vice to be overcome; in modern economics, discussions of incentives, charity, and wealth distribution may invoke the term to illustrate prudence vs. greed.

See also: greed, avarice, stinginess, frugality.