aðgengis

Aðgengis is the genitive singular form of the Icelandic noun aðgengi, which means access, entry, or the ability to use or reach something. The term describes whether a person can reach a place, obtain information, or use a service, and it is used across contexts such as physical accessibility, information access, and digital or system permissions.

Etymology: The word aðgengi derives from ganga 'to go' with the prefix að-, forming a noun that expresses movement toward or entering something. It has cognates in other Scandinavian languages, for example Danish adgang and Swedish tillgång, which carry closely related meanings of access and availability.

In law and policy, aðgengi appears in discussions of rights of access to information or resources, and in disability and accessibility policy. In information technology and data governance, it denotes who may view or modify data, or who has permission to use a resource. In architecture and urban planning, the term is used to describe the physical accessibility of buildings and spaces for all users.

Grammatical note: The genitive singular form is aðgengis, used in constructions such as réttur aðgengis (the right of access) or takmörkun aðgengis (limits on access).

Related terms include tillgång (Swedish) and adgång (Danish) in their respective languages. The Icelandic concept encompasses both practical access and broader notions of availability and inclusivity.