avdelingen

Avdelingen is the definite form of the Norwegian noun avdeling, meaning a division, department, or ward within an organization, institution, or building. In Bokmål Norwegian it refers to a specific unit within a larger entity, while in nynorsk the corresponding form is avdelinga. The term is widely used across government, business, health care, education, and public administration to designate an identifiable functional area.

In government and business contexts, avdelingen denotes a unit responsible for a defined scope of work or policy area, such as the finansavdelingen (finance department) or personaleavdelingen (human resources department). In hospitals and care facilities, avdeling can refer to a clinical department or a patient ward, depending on the institution's terminology.

An avdeling is typically led by an avdelingsleder (department head) and may have its own budget, staff, and performance targets. It operates under the larger organization and coordinates with other avdelinger to deliver services or products.

Because Avdelingen is a generic term rather than a single organization, clarification of context is essential when encountering the term. It is cognate with Danish afdeling and Swedish avdelning.