Utlåna

Utlåna is a verb used in Norwegian, Swedish and other Nordic languages meaning to lend something to another person for a period with the expectation that it will be returned. The term covers both lending of tangible items and providing money, and it is commonly used in everyday language as well as in formal and institutional contexts.

In finance, utlåning denotes the act by which a lender—typically a bank or financial institution—provides funds to a borrower. Loans may be secured by collateral and come with terms such as principal, interest rate, repayment schedule, and fees. Utlåning involves credit risk, and institutions use risk assessment, capitalization requirements, and regulatory oversight to manage it. The volume and terms of utlåning influence the money supply, investment, and consumption in an economy, and are therefore a central focus of monetary and financial policy.

In libraries and other cultural or public institutions, utlåning refers to lending books, media, or equipment to patrons. This process is governed by rules on due dates, renewals, reservations, fines, and inventory management. Effective utlåning systems balance access for users with the preservation and turnover of items.

Etymology-wise, utlåna is formed from låna (to borrow) with the prefix ut- indicating outward or outward-facing action. The exact spelling and usage can vary across Scandinavian languages.

See also: utlån, lån, låne, utlåning.