Skjermen

Skjermen is the definite singular form of the Norwegian noun skjerm, which denotes a screen or shield. In everyday language it can refer to a display device such as a computer monitor, a television, or a smartphone screen, as well as to a protective barrier or partition used to shield or obscure. The word also covers other kinds of screens, such as architectural screens or privacy screens that separate spaces.

Etymology and senses: The term derives from Old Norse and has cognates in Danish skærm and Swedish skärm, all related to a shield or protective cover. Over time the sense broadened from a physical shield to any covering that blocks or frames light, sight, or space, and more recently to electronic display surfaces.

Forms and usage: In Bokmål, skjerm is a masculine noun; indefinite singular is en skjerm, definite singular is skjermen, indefinite plural skjermer, definite plural skjermene. The definite form skjermen is used for a specific screen, for example "Skjermen på datamaskinen er slått på." The phrase "skjermen til mobilen" refers to the phone’s screen.

Examples of uses: In technology, the term denotes the display surface of devices such as computers, televisions, smartphones, and tablets. In architecture and interior design, a skjerm can be a folding room divider or a decorative screen. In theatre and art, screens may function as backdrops or visual barriers.