Underskriften

Underskriften is the sign or mark by which a person indicates assent, authorship, or authorization on a document. The term is used in Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and related languages to denote the act of signing. An underskrift serves to identify the signer and to demonstrate consent to the content, creating a legal link between the individual and the document.

A typical underskrift includes the signer's name and often the date and place of signing. In formal settings, a handwritten underskrift may be accompanied by witness attestations or a notary public to reinforce its validity. On official forms, the underskrift verifies that the signer has read and agrees to the terms.

With digital communication, electronic signatures have become common. There are different levels of electronic signatures: simple electronic signatures, which can be any data used to attach a signature to a document; advanced electronic signatures, which are uniquely linked to the signer and under their control while ensuring data integrity; and qualified electronic signatures, backed by a certified certificate and secure devices, which have the same legal effect as a handwritten underskrift under the EU regulation eIDAS. In many jurisdictions, electronic signatures are legally valid for contracts and authorizations when they meet specific criteria, though requirements may vary by country and document type.

Security concerns include forgery, impersonation, or disputes over identity and intent. Verification methods range from visual comparison and witnesses to cryptographic validation in the case of electronic signatures. Historically a personal symbol of agreement, the underskriften remains a central element in legal documents, contracts, and formal communications, now extended into digital formats that preserve evidentiary value while broadening accessibility.