Sägen

Søgen is a Norwegian noun that denotes the act or process of seeking. It can refer to a concrete search for objects, information, or opportunities, as well as a broader, more abstract quest for meaning, truth, or solutions. Common collocations include søken etter svar (the search for answers) and søgen etter mening (the search for meaning). The term is frequently used in formal or literary writing, philosophy, theology, and journalism to emphasize the ongoing nature of a pursuit rather than a single act.

Etymology and form: Søgen is derived from the verb søke, meaning to seek. The suffix -en forms a nominal expression of an activity, producing a word that conveys process and intention. In Bokmål, søgen is the standard form; related forms and synonyms appear in other Norwegian varieties and languages with similar roots.

Usage and nuance: The concept of søgen often carries a reflective or existential connotation, distinguishing it from more utilitarian terms for searching. It can describe intellectual inquiry, spiritual longing, or practical quests in everyday life. In contrast, nouns like jakt (hunt) or leting (search) may emphasize the action or outcome rather than the ongoing pursuit.

See also: søke, søk, jakt, leting, søken etter sannhet.

Note: While closely related terms exist in Danish and other Scandinavian languages, søgen in Norwegian is most commonly interpreted as the general act of seeking within a linguistic and cultural Norwegian context.