Kløkt

Kløkt is a noun used in Norwegian and Danish to denote practical intelligence, prudence, and resourcefulness. It refers to the ability to think clearly, assess risk, and act effectively in challenging situations. The term can describe someone who makes judicious decisions, uses appropriate tactics, and avoids unnecessary danger. In everyday Norwegian, kløkt often appears in contexts such as problem-solving, negotiation, and strategic planning.

Nuances: Kløkt emphasizes practical competence and situational judgment rather than abstract wisdom. It is closely related to klokskap (wisdom) and fornuft (reason), but with a stronger implication of tactical skill and street-smart reasoning. A person with kløkt is seen as capable of turning difficult circumstances to their advantage without losing composure, and of acting with balance between risk and opportunity.

Cross-linguistic note: In Danish, kløgt (and the adjective kløgtig) carries similar meanings, including prudence and shrewdness. In modern Norwegian and Danish usage, the terms overlap with phrases such as å handle med kløkt or en person med stor kløkt, illustrating the everyday practical emphasis of the concept.

Etymology and related terms: The word is rooted in the Nordic linguistic tradition and is cognate with Swedish klokhet and Danish kløgt. It shares a common Germanic root related to wisdom and cleverness, while maintaining a distinct emphasis on practical, situational intelligence.

See also: klokskap, fornuft, klokhet.