Vindu

Vindu is the Norwegian word for a window, the opening in a wall or other barrier that allows light and air to pass into a space. It is a common term in everyday language and appears in descriptions of buildings, vehicles, and architectural details. In Norwegian, the indefinite singular is vindu, the definite singular is vinduet, and the plural is vinduer.

Etymology and historical background: Vindu originates from the Old Norse vindauga, which literally means wind-eye. The term reflects the historical view of a window as an opening to the outside air. The word has cognates in other Germanic languages; for example, Danish vindue shares the same root, while other languages developed different terms for window.

Usage and variants: As a general noun, vindu covers all standard windows, including those in homes, offices, cars, and greenhouses. The word is widely used in everyday speech, writing, and signage related to architecture and interior design. Regional dialects in Norway may influence pronunciation, but the basic form vindu remains standard in Bokmål and is understood across Norwegian-speaking communities. In related Scandinavian languages, similar terms exist but are not identical, reflecting both shared origins and language-specific evolution.

See also: Window (general concept), Danish vindue, Norwegian architecture, glass and glazing.