Kandidatene

Kandidatene is the definite plural form of the Norwegian noun kandidat, meaning people who are proposed, nominated, or competing for a position, office, or recognition. The term derives from the Latin candidatus, and has entered Norwegian through historical use in various civil and academic settings. In contemporary Norwegian, kandidater may be candidates in elections, applicants for jobs, or entrants in a competition or program.

In politics, kandidatene refers to those who run for public office, typically within parties or as independents. The term is common in media coverage and public debate, where the profiles, platforms, and backgrounds of the kandidatene are discussed. In employment, education, or grant processes, the word can designate individuals who are seeking selection or admission, with kortlists or panels evaluating the kandidatene.

Grammatical note: The singular is en kandidat, with the definite singular kandidaten. The indefinite plural is kandidater, while the definite plural is kandidatene. The form kandidatene is used when the group of candidates is known or specifically identified in context, for example in reporting or a formal discussion. The term is neutral in tone and widely used in both formal and everyday Norwegian, with similar usage in Bokmål and Nynorsk contexts.

See also: kandidatur, kandidater i en valgkamp, and related terms for nomination and election processes.