Retfærdige

Retfærdige is a Danish adjective meaning just, fair or righteous. It is used to describe people, actions or decisions that conform to moral or legal standards. In everyday language one might encounter phrases such as en retfærdig afgørelse (a fair decision) or en retfærdig person (a fair/righteous person). The term can also function as a noun phrase in the plural, de retfærdige, referring to “the righteous” or “the just.”

Etymology and form: Retfærdig is formed from ret, meaning right or lawful, and færdig, a word with historical meanings related to being proper or ready. In modern Danish, retfærdighed is the abstract noun for justice or fairness, while retfærdig functions as the attributive adjective. Danish inflection allows the indefinite plural form retfærdige and the definite plural form de retfærdige.

Usage and connotations: The concept covers both secular and religious senses of fairness. In legal contexts it denotes impartiality and proper procedure, as in en retfærdig rettergang (a fair trial). In ethical or religious discourse it can denote moral righteousness or virtue before a higher standard. The nuance can range from practical fairness to a more absolute sense of virtue, depending on context and tone.

Related terms: Ret means right or law, while retfærdighed refers to justice or fairness as an abstract quality. Common collocations include retfærdig, retfærdighed, and de retfærdige when used as a group designation in religious or literary texts.

See also: Dansk grammar resources on adjectives; Danish theological or legal discussions on justice and righteousness.