Varanlegir

Varanlegir is the masculine plural nominative/accusative form of the Icelandic adjective varanlegur, meaning permanent, lasting, or durable. The term describes something expected to endure for a long time or indefinitely. In Icelandic, adjectives agree with the noun they modify in gender and number, so varanlegir appears with masculine plural nouns; feminine and neuter forms exist as varanlegar, varanlegt, etc., depending on the noun.

Common uses include referring to employment status (varanlegir starfsmenn – permanent employees), housing or property (varanlegt húsnæði – permanent housing), and long-term solutions or arrangements (varanlegar lausnir – permanent solutions). The word is frequently employed in formal, administrative, or policy contexts, but also appears in education, economics, and planning discussions.

Varanlegir is contrasted with temporary terms such as tímabundinn or skammtímalausnir (short-term solutions). The concept centers on duration and stability rather than immediacy or contingency.

Etymology: varanlegur derives from roots within Icelandic that convey endurance and durability, reflecting its core meaning of lasting or enduring. The term is widely understood across Icelandic-speaking contexts and is part of standard vocabulary describing time horizons, durability, or status.

See also: permanence, durability, longevity.