Gotisk

Gotisk is a term used in Danish, Norwegian and Swedish (and related languages) to mean Gothic. It is applied across several domains to describe styles and traditions associated with the Gothic name.

In architecture, gotisk arkitektur refers to Gothic architecture, a European style that flourished from the 12th to the 16th century. It is characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses and large stained-glass windows, enabling tall, light-filled interiors as seen in many cathedrals and churches.

In literature and film, gotisk litteratur or gothic fiction describes works that emphasize atmosphere, dread, the supernatural and the sublime, often set in decaying mansions or castles. The genre originated in the late 18th century with writers such as Horace Walpole and expanded in the 19th and 20th centuries into various media.

In contemporary culture, the gotisk subkultur, or goth subculture, emerged from post-punk scenes and is associated with fashion, music, and aesthetics characterized by black clothing, pale makeup and themes of mortality and romance. Music genres commonly linked to goth include gothic rock, darkwave and related forms.

In typography, gotisk skrift denotes Blackletter typefaces, including Fraktur and Schwabacher, used in medieval manuscripts and early printed books. The term is still used descriptively in some languages for stylistic purposes.

In linguistics, Gothic refers to the extinct East Germanic language once spoken by the Goths; scholarly discussion of this language appears under the name Gothic (gotiska språket in some translations).