Tittelen

Tittelen is the definite form of the Norwegian noun tittel and refers to the name given to a work or its part. It is the label by which a book, film, music recording, article, or artwork is identified. The tittelen functions as the primary identifier used in citations, catalogs, and discussions about the work. While leitores may encounter the term in Norwegian texts, the underlying concept is shared across languages, with cognate forms such as titel or titeln in Swedish and Danish and a common lineage to Latin titulus.

Etymology and related terms: The word tittel and its definite form tittelen trace back to older European terms for an identifying label, with cognates in nearby languages. These forms ultimately derive from Latin titulus, passing into medieval and modern European languages through various routes. The concept remains consistent: a title names and distinguishes a creative work.

Typography and conventions: In written usage, conventions distinguish long works from shorter ones. Titles of longer works—such as novels, films, journals, or albums—are typically set in italics. Titles of shorter works—such as articles, songs, or chapter headings—are usually placed in quotation marks. When referring to a specific work, one uses the definite form tittelen in Norwegian, as in “tittelen på romanen.”

Digital and bibliographic contexts: In databases and bibliographies, the tittelen is a key data field used for indexing, searching, and citation. Metadata standards capture the exact form of the title, including subtitles and translations, to ensure accurate identification and retrieval of the work.