Romanen

Romanen is the definite singular form of the noun roman, meaning “novel,” in Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian. It is used to refer to the literary form in general and to a specific novel when the context makes the reference definite. The term appears in scholarly writing, library catalogs, and everyday conversation when speakers discuss long prose narrative as a genre or refer to a particular work.

Form and etymology: The base noun roman originates from Romance-language influence, with the meaning “novel” established in these languages over time. The definite singular is formed with a suffix -en in Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian, producing romannen or romangen in some dialects and romanen in standard spelling. The corresponding indefinite form is en roman in Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian, and the usage of the definite form follows common patterns of definiteness in each language.

Usage and nuance: Romanen commonly denotes the genre of the novel as a whole, but it also functions as a definite noun when the specific work is understood from context. In catalogs, curricula, and literary discussions, it can appear as a neutral reference to novels in general or to a particular title within a known set. The term coexists with more specific titles and can be contrasted with shorter prose forms or other narrative genres.

See also: Novel, Roman (etymology), Scandinavian languages.