Søster

Søster is the Norwegian word for sister and the Danish word for sister, used for a female sibling. It is a standard term in both languages and appears in family contexts, literature, and everyday speech. In Norwegian as in Danish, søster can refer to a biological sister, a stepsister, or a more general female-relative within kinship, with context usually clarifying the exact relationship.

Etymology and cognates: The word is cognate with Swedish syster and English sister, reflecting shared Germanic roots. Across the Germanic language family, similar forms exist, illustrating a common heritage for the concept of a female sibling.

Usage and forms: In both Danish and Norwegian, compounds convey age or generation. Storesøster means older sister, while lillesøster means younger sister. Possessive phrases such as min søster (my sister) or din søster are common, and the definite form søsteren (the sister) is used in contexts requiring a specific sister. For other kinship terms, Danish and Norwegian also have halvsøster for half-sister.

Cultural and practical notes: Søster is a neutral, everyday term, suitable in formal writing as well as informal conversation. It functions across ages and social contexts, and it interacts with related terms for different kinds of siblings. In literature, media, and storytelling, the word can carry affectionate or familial nuances, depending on tone and intent.