Livet

Livet is the definite form of the noun liv in Scandinavian languages, meaning life or existence. In Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish, livet translates to “the life” and is used for life as a concept as well as for a person’s lifetime. The word functions as a standard noun in everyday speech and writing.

Usage and meaning: As a grammatical form, livet denotes life with a definite article and appears in phrases about aging, longevity, or daily living. It can be used in general statements about life on Earth, about one’s own life, or about the lived experience. The term also features in idioms and expressions that emphasize living or living well, and it commonly appears in literature, journalism, and media in the region.

Etymology and cognates: livet is cognate with the English word life and the German word Leben, reflecting shared Germanic roots. The form has evolved within the Scandinavian languages to express the definite concept of life.

In culture: Beyond its basic meaning, livet is sometimes used as a title or part of titles in Swedish and Norwegian media, including books, films, or songs. When capitalized as a proper noun, it may refer to a specific work or cultural reference rather than the general concept of life.

See also: life, liv (the base noun in the same languages).