allmennyttige

Allmennyttige is an adjective used in Danish and Norwegian to describe something that benefits the general public or the common good. It is applied to actions, institutions, or policies intended to help a broad segment of society rather than private interests. The term is common in discussions of public welfare, philanthropy, and regulated or non-profit activity.

Etymology and form: The word combines all- meaning "whole, universal" with nyttig meaning "useful." In both languages the form is allmennyttig in the singular and allmennyttige in the plural. It appears in phrases such as allmennyttige formål (public-benefit purposes) or allmennyttige goder (public goods).

Usage notes: Allmennyttige emphasizes utility to everyone and is often used to justify funding, subsidies, or regulations intended to serve broad society rather than private gain. It is distinct from terms referencing private profit or narrow interest, and may appear in governmental, charitable, or civil society contexts.

See also: public welfare, common good, public benefit, philanthropy, nonprofit sector.