Hjelp

Hjelp is a Norwegian noun meaning assistance or aid given to solve problems, perform tasks, or relieve distress. It can refer to practical support such as money, services, or personnel, as well as more intangible forms like advice or guidance. In everyday speech people say jeg trenger hjelp (I need help), and phrases like takk for hjelpen (thanks for the help) are common. Hjelp is used across contexts, including healthcare, social services, emergency response, and customer support. The related adjective is hjelpsom, meaning helpful; the verb is hjelpe, to help. The definite form of the noun is hjelpen.

Etymology and cognates: The word comes from Old Norse hjálp and is cognate with Swedish hjälp and Danish hjælp. All of these derive from a Proto-Germanic root connected to the English word help. The Norwegian form is closely aligned with its Scandinavian relatives in both meaning and usage.

Usage and forms: Hjelp is typically treated as a mass noun when referring to the general concept of assistance, and it appears in many fixed compounds. Common examples include nødhjelp (emergency aid), førstehjelp (first aid), and hjelpemidler (aids or assistive devices). In compounds and set phrases, the sense of support can be physical, financial, informational, or procedural. The term also appears in institutional contexts such as welfare services and humanitarian work.

Cross-linguistic note: Norwegian hjelp shares its core meaning with Swedish hjälp and Danish hjælp, and with the English word help, reflecting a common Germanic origin. Although their spellings differ, the words are part of the same lexical family and retain a shared sense of assistance and support.