Sammenfatninger

Sammenfatninger are concise syntheses of the essential points, findings, or conclusions of a text, discussion, or activity. The plural sammenfatninger refers to multiple such syntheses. They are used to present the core content in a compact form, without requiring the reader to study the full document.

Etymology and nuance: The term combines sammen (together, collectively) with fatning (holding, interpretation), signaling a process of bringing together main ideas into a coherent whole. In Norwegian usage, sammenfatning often emphasizes the integration of information and the presentation of key outcomes.

Usage: Sammenfatninger appear in academic and professional writing, such as research articles, theses, reports, policy papers, and technical documentation. They are also used in meeting minutes or project summaries. A sammenfatning should be self-contained, allowing readers to grasp the main outcomes without reading the entire text. It typically covers the purpose or scope, the main results or content, conclusions, and any recommendations, while avoiding new information not present in the main document.

Writing guidance: Aim for clarity and brevity, using neutral, impersonal language. The tense generally reflects the document’s content, often past tense for studies. The structure varies by style guide, but a useful approach is to state the objective, summarize content or methods briefly, present the key findings, and highlight implications or recommendations. Numbers and specifics should be accurate and carefully checked.

Relation to similar terms: Sammendrag is a broader term for a summary or abstract and is often shorter, whereas sammenfatning emphasizes synthesis and integrated conclusions. In some fields, the terms may be used interchangeably, but sammenfatning typically signals a concluding synthesis of the material.