Jordnær

Jordnær is a Norwegian adjective meaning either physically close to the ground or metaphorically grounded in practicality. The term combines jord, earth or soil, with nær, near. In standard Bokmål and Nynorsk usage, jordnær describes something that is near the earth in a literal sense, such as features of the landscape or design elements that sit close to ground level, or plants that grow low to the ground. In horticulture or landscape design, jordnær approaches emphasize soil health and integration with the terrain rather than elevated, artificial forms.

Metaphorically, jordnær characterizes people, writing, or cultural expressions that are practical, unpretentious, and connected to everyday life. A jordnær tone in journalism or literature tends to avoid pretension and favors straightforward, relatable presentation. The word is common in contemporary Norwegian and can appear in both descriptive and evaluative uses.

Translations into English include down-to-earth, earthy, or close to the soil, though each carries slightly different connotations. The Norwegian cognate in Swedish is jordnära, with a similar sense. See also related terms and phrases, such as jordnærhet (earthiness, closeness to the earth).