beskrivelse

Beskrivelse is a noun in Danish and Norwegian Bokmål meaning a description or account of the characteristics, features, or functioning of someone or something. It can refer to a factual, structured report as well as a more literary or vivid depiction. The term is used across domains, from science and technology to arts, travel, and commerce.

In practice, a beskrivelse may describe physical attributes, measurements, processes, or behaviors; it can appear in product documentation (produktbeskrivelse), technical specifications (teknisk beskrivelse), or a description of a phenomenon in a report. In literature or film, it denotes a descriptive passage or scene-setting. In everyday language, it can also mean a brief overview of characteristics or a summary.

Beskrivelse is closely related to but distinct from terms such as skildring (a more narrative depiction), fremstilling or presentasjon (presentation), or forklaring (explanation). The nuance is that beskrivelse tends toward describing features and attributes in a factual, organized way, whereas skildring emphasizes evocative portrayal and atmosphere.

The word derives from the verb beskrive (to describe) and is cognate with the German Beschreibung. The plural form in Danish and Norwegian Bokmål is beskrivelser.