Overvejelser

Overvejelser is a Danish noun in the plural form that denotes the process of thinking carefully before making a decision, as well as the conclusions reached through such thinking. The term covers deliberations, reflections, and considerations of factors, options, and potential outcomes. It is commonly used in everyday language, in professional contexts, and in formal texts to indicate that a choice has been preceded by thorough thought.

Etymology: The word derives from over- meaning "thoroughly" or "in excess" and vejelse, a form related to consideration or weighing. The sense is rooted in weighing different options before deciding. In practice, overvejelser emphasizes the internal or documented process of weighing pros and cons.

Usage: In personal contexts one speaks of one’s overvejelser about a move, a career change, or a purchase. In professional or public discourse, overvejelser are often presented in reports, meeting minutes, or policy documents as part of the justification for a decision, sometimes alongside recommendations and implications. The term can be paired with qualifiers such as etiske, økonomiske, juridiske, or politiske to specify the domain of the considerations.

Related terms: overvejelse (singular), omtanke, refleksion, betragtning. The distinction is that overvejelser refers to multiple considerations or deliberations, while overvejelse denotes a single thoughtful process. See also: omtanke and refleksion.