Originaldokumenter

Originaldokumenter is a term used in Scandinavian languages to refer to documents in their original, physical form, as opposed to copies or scans. In archival science, administration, and law, originaldokumenter carry evidential value and are often required for formal or legal purposes. They can include vital records, official certificates, deeds, contracts, government-issued documents, and other records produced in their initial format.

The concept is closely tied to authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation. Originals are typically preferred when the purpose is to verify provenance, signatures, seals, or dates. In many systems, copies or certified attestations may be accepted for routine processing, but originals remain the standard for significant transactions or legal proceedings.

Handling and preservation of originals focus on protection and long-term accessibility. Originals should be stored under appropriate environmental conditions, with controlled access and proper cataloging. When possible, institutions create metadata about provenance, custody history, and physical characteristics to support future verification.

Digitization introduces considerations of trust and reliability. Digitized copies can enable access and reduce handling of fragile originals, but require safeguards such as high-quality scans, checksums, and documented provenance to be considered authentic stand-ins. In some cases, trusted digital copies or archival digital records with verifiable provenance may complement or substitute for the physical original, depending on jurisdiction and policy.

Legal and administrative requirements vary by country and institution. The acceptance of originaldokumenter depends on applicable laws, the purpose of submission, and the specific procedures of the requesting authority. Applicants should verify what constitutes an acceptable original in a given context.