Overlegge

Overlegge is a Norwegian verb meaning to deliberate or discuss something with others in order to reach a decision. The infinitive form is å overlegge. The term is commonly used in formal or professional contexts, and it often appears with med (with) or om (about): for example, å overlegge med kolleger om en beslutning, eller å overlegge om behandlingsalternativer i en klinisk setting. The action implies weighing alternatives, assessing evidence, and seeking consensus.

The verb covers a range of settings, including business, politics, and healthcare. In workplaces, teams may overlegge before approving a strategy or budget. In healthcare, decisions about diagnosis or treatment are sometimes made after å overlegge with colleagues, though the term does not replace the practical steps of medical consultation; it signals a formal or collective consideration process.

It is important to note a common linguistic distinction in Norwegian: overlegge (to deliberate) is not the same as overlege (chief physician). Overlege refers to a medical title for a senior physician or head of a department, whereas å overlegge denotes the act of deliberating. The two words are related in etymology but serve different grammatical roles.

In usage, overlegge is a neutral, relatively formal term. Synonyms include diskutere, konsultere, and vurdere sammen. The concept underlines collaborative decision-making and the value of taking time to weigh options before acting.