befugtning

Befugtning is a Danish term that refers to the state or condition of having authorization or competence to perform specific acts within a defined area of responsibility. It can apply to individuals, organizations, or public authorities and denotes the lawful capacity to act in a given role.

Scope and sources

Befugtning can arise in several ways: through statutory authority or legal regulation, through delegated power from a higher authority, or through a contractual arrangement such as a fullmagt (power of attorney). The scope and limits of befugtning are typically defined by law, regulation, or the terms of a delegation or contract. It determines who may act, which actions are permissible, and under what conditions those actions may be carried out.

Examples

In public administration, a mayor may have befugtning to sign municipal contracts within a prescribed budget; in a bank, an employee may have befugtning to approve loans up to a specified limit; in professional practice, a lawyer or architect acts within the befugtning granted by professional regulation and client mandates.

Relation to related concepts

Befugtning describes the capacity to act; a separate instrument called fuldmagt (power of attorney) can grant befugtning to another person. Organizations may also have general befugtning derived from statutory authority or from delegations. In many contexts, befugtning is closely linked to bemyndigelse (authorization), with some overlap in everyday usage, though bemyndigelse emphasizes the empowerment itself rather than the specific acts authorized.

Legal and practical implications

Acts performed without proper befugtning can be invalid or challengeable, and organizations rely on documentation, oversight, and internal controls to record delegated authorities and ensure accountability.