Hovedmeny

Hovedmeny is a term used in Norwegian to refer to the main menu in various contexts, including software interfaces, websites, and printed or digital menus at a restaurant. It denotes the primary set of options or items presented for navigation or selection.

In software and applications, the hovedmeny typically refers to the main menu bar or a primary navigation structure within a window or app. It usually contains grouped commands or features (for example, File, Edit, View) and may include submenus. The layout tends to be horizontal across the top of the screen on desktop interfaces and can be adapted for touch interfaces with longer tap targets. Accessibility and keyboard navigation are important considerations for a well-functioning hovedmeny.

On websites, the hovedmeny is the main navigation menu that helps users move between major sections of the site. It is often implemented as a horizontal list near the top of the page, with dropdowns for subsections. Responsive design is common, with a collapse into a “burger” menu on smaller screens. Semantic HTML (for example, nav elements) and ARIA labeling improve accessibility for assistive technologies.

In a restaurant or café context, the hovedmeny refers to the main menu that lists available dishes and beverages. It is usually organized into sections such as starters, mains, sides, and desserts, and may highlight specials or seasonal offerings. The term helps distinguish the primary food and drink offerings from ancillary menus like beverages, wines, or tasting menus.

There are cognate terms in related Scandinavian languages, such as hovudmeny in Nynorsk Norwegian, huvudmeny in Swedish, and hovedmenu in Danish, reflecting similar concepts across regional languages. Design and localization considerations help ensure consistent understanding of the term in multilingual environments.