Nefndar

Nefndar is the genitive singular form of the Icelandic noun nefnd, which means a committee, board, or panel. In Icelandic governance and organizational language, a nefnd refers to a body established to examine, advise on, or decide a specific area of policy or administration. Nefndir are typically formed to handle a defined remit and operate under the authority of a parent institution, such as a ministry, parliament, or company. Membership usually consists of appointed representatives from relevant sectors, often including experts or officials, and they are led by a designated chairperson. Meetings are held regularly, and records such as minutes are kept. The outputs of a nefnd generally take the form of reports, recommendations, or proposed amendments for the parent body to adopt or reject; nefndir do not usually possess autonomous legislative power.

In use, nefnd is common in the names of public bodies and in phrases describing the committee's work, such as duties related to a specific policy area. The form nefndar appears to indicate possession or association with a nefnd, as in contexts discussing the committee’s work, outputs, or authority. Nefndir exist at municipal and national levels and may focus on areas like finance, education, health, or culture. The concept reflects a tradition of task-specific advisory or preparatory commissions within Nordic administrative practice.

See also: committee, board, council, parliamentary committee.