Selvsagt

Selvsagt is a Scandinavian adverb used in Norwegian and Danish to mean “of course,” “naturally,” or “as one would expect.” It marks something as obvious or uncontroversial and is common in everyday speech as well as in written language.

Etymology and usage context: The word is a compound of selv (“self”) and sagt (“said” or “stated”). The sense developed to express that what is being stated is self-evident or simply understood. In modern usage, selvsagt can be employed to affirm a proposition, to respond to a request, or to acknowledge a statement with warmth or ease. It often carries a casual or friendly tone, and may function as a standalone exclamation when used alone, as in Selvsagt!

Relation to related terms: A closely related synonym in Norwegian is selvfølgelig, which tends to be more formal or neutral. Naturligvis is another alternative with a similar meaning but different stylistic nuance. Selvsagt is widely used in both Bokmål and Nynorsk, and the Danish equivalent selvsagt is used with the same meaning.

Examples:

- Skal vi møtes i kveld? Selvsagt.

- Det er selvsagt at vi må gjøre det på den måten.

- Selvsagt! Jeg hjelper gjerne.

In culture and style: Selvsagt is a standard, approachable expression in Norwegian dialogue and media. While appropriate in most informal to semi-formal contexts, المركز might prefer selvfølgelig or naturligvis in more formal writing. See also: selvfølgelig, naturligvis.