Medlemmet

Medlemmet is the definite singular form of the Norwegian noun medlem, meaning a member of a group or organization, or the member when the identity is specified. It is used when referring to a particular person who belongs to something, such as a club, committee, or association. For example, in Norwegian one might say, “Medlemmet var til stede,” meaning “The member was present.”

Etymology and sense development: The word medlem comes from Old Norse meðlimr, which originally meant limb or member of a body. The sense shift from bodily limb to a member of a group emerged over time, yielding the modern meaning of someone belonging to an organization or community.

Morphology and related forms: The indefinite singular form is medlem. The definite singular form is medlemmet, used when referring to a specific member. The indefinite plural form is medlemmer, while the definite plural form is medlemmene. These forms reflect standard Norwegian noun inflection for gender-neutral, inanimate, or collective nouns of this type.

Usage notes: Medlemmet is appropriate in neutral, formal, and written Norwegian when the identity of the member is known or being specified. It contrasts with the indefinite medlem, which would refer to a member in a general sense rather than a particular one. In contexts involving membership status or roles, the term can be combined with other words to indicate membership in a group (for example, “medlem av styret,” member of the board).

See also: medlem, membership, list of terms related to membership.