Utenlandsk

Utenlandsk is a Norwegian adjective meaning foreign, i.e., originating from a country other than Norway. It describes things, language, culture, or people associated with another country. Common usages include phrases like utenlandsk valuta (foreign currency), utenlandsk språk (a foreign language), and utenlandsk kultur (foreign culture). The term is widely used in everyday speech as well as in travel, commerce, law, and journalism.

Etymology and cognates: Utenlandsk is formed from utenland (foreign country) with the adjectival suffix -sk. The word has cognates in other Scandinavian languages, such as Danish udenlandsk and Swedish utländsk, reflecting shared roots in the phrase for “outside country.”

Grammar and syntax: Utenlandsk is an attributive adjective that agrees with the noun it modifies in gender and number. Examples include en utenlandsk bil (a foreign car), et utenlandsk ord (a foreign word), or utenlandsk arbeidstaker (foreign worker). In plural form, you would typically use utenlandske foran plural nouns, for example utenlandske produkter (foreign products).

Usage notes: The term emphasizes origin or association with another country rather than inherent value. It is commonly contrasted with domestic or Norwegian terms in contexts such as trade, immigration, education, and media coverage of international affairs. While generally neutral, it can carry evaluative nuances depending on context, similar to foreign in English.