Spirituelt

Spirituelt is an adjective in Danish (and to a lesser extent Norwegian) describing matters related to spirit, soul, or other non-material dimensions of life. It is used for topics such as religion, mysticism, spirituality, and aspects of personal development or worldview that concern beliefs beyond the physical world. The term is generally neutral and descriptive, suitable for academic writing, journalism, and cultural discussion.

Etymology and forms: Spirituelt derives from Latin spiritualis, via Old French spiritual, and entered Danish with similar semantics. In modern Danish the neuter singular form spirituelt is used to modify a neuter noun, as in et spirituelt tema. A more formal or older variant is spirituel; åndelig is a common everyday synonym.

Usage and contexts: The word appears across religion, theology, philosophy, psychology, literature, film, and art to denote content connected with the inner life, belief systems, or non-material forces. It can refer to topics, practices, or experiences—such as meditation, devotional life, or discussions about meaning and values—without endorsing any particular doctrine. In secular discourse, spirituelt commonly signals a focus on spirituality rather than dogma.

Related terms: åndelig, spiritisme (spiritualism), spiritualitet (spirituality).