borgerne

Borgerne is the Danish definite plural form of the noun borger, meaning "the citizens." In contemporary Danish, borgerne refers to the residents of a city or nation who possess or are regarded as participants in the rights and duties of citizenship. The term is used across law, politics, journalism, and everyday civic discourse to denote people collectively, rather than individuals.

Etymology and grammar: The word borger derives from older forms in Danish and other Germanic languages, historically linked to town-dweller or freeman within a community. The definite plural borgerne is created by adding the definite plural ending -ne to the base plural form borger, which is the standard construction in Danish for “the citizens.”

Usage and nuance: Borgerne is a neutral, inclusive term frequently found in formal and public contexts, such as legislation, policy discussions, and media reporting. It can appear in statements about citizens’ rights and duties, for example “Borgerne har ret til ytringsfrihed” (The citizens have the right to freedom of expression) or “borgernes rettigheder og pligter.” In more specific contexts, terms like medborgere (fellow citizens) or statborgere (citizens of a state) may be used to sharpen meaning or emphasis.

See also: Citizenship, Danish language, Civil rights, Medborgerskab.