Omgift

Omgift is a term in Danish and Norwegian used to denote remarriage, the act of entering into a new marriage after the dissolution of a previous marriage by divorce or the death of a spouse. As a noun, omgift can refer to the state of having remarried; as an adjective, it can describe a person who has remarried, for example, a remarried individual can be described as omgift.

Etymology and usage: The word is formed from om-, meaning “again,” and gift, meaning “marriage.” In Danish, Norwegian, and related varieties, omgift appears in both everyday language and official contexts to indicate current marital status. In addition to its primary meaning, the term is sometimes found in genealogical records and civil registries to track family history.

Legal and civil context: Remarriage procedures and recognition vary by jurisdiction. Typically, a prior marriage must be legally ended by divorce, dissolution, or the death of a spouse before a new marriage can be legally recognized. Civil records are updated to reflect the new status, and remarriage can have implications for inheritance, spousal benefits, taxation, and next-of-kin designations, depending on local law.

Demographics and social aspects: Remarriage rates differ across countries, cultures, and age groups. In many societies, remarriage after widowhood or divorce has become increasingly common, contributing to diverse family structures such as stepfamilies. Public attitudes and social norms surrounding remarriage have generally become more permissive, though variations continue.

See also: Remarriage; blended families.