Sokkler

Sokkler is the plural form of sokkel in Danish and Norwegian, where it denotes the base, foundation, or plinth of a building. In construction and architectural documentation, sokler refer to the lowest structural element that supports walls and transmits loads to the substructure. The term is most common in Scandinavian professional vocabulary and may appear in building specifications and drawings.

Constructionally, sokler are typically formed as a continuous course of concrete, masonry, or stone at or near ground level. They may be extended around the perimeter of a building or correspond to the base of load-bearing walls. In some cases, the sokkel also serves as a weather barrier and damp-proofing layer, and it can be finished with a moulding or protective trim.

Usage and terminology: The concept exists in Danish and Norwegian building practice, and sokler is the plural form while sokkel is singular. In related Germanic languages, cognate terms such as Sockel or sokkel share the same general meaning of base or pedestal used in architecture and construction.

Etymology and context: The word derives from a common Germanic root meaning base or foundation. In non-technical usage, the term may appear in historical descriptions of older masonry methods and building techniques, though modern usage increasingly favors more specific terms such as foundation course or plinth in English-language documentation.