dagbók

Dagbók is the Icelandic term for a diary or journal, a personal record kept over time. The word literally means "day book" (dag = day, bók = book). A dagbók typically contains dated entries in which a person logs events, thoughts, feelings, ideas, and plans. Its purposes include preserving memory, reflecting on experiences, processing emotions, and supporting creative work. In addition to private use, dagbókar may serve as historical sources that document daily life.

Dagbók can take many forms: a traditional handwritten notebook, a digital document or application, or a private blog. Common variants include travel diaries, dream journals, gratitude journals, and bullet journals, each emphasizing different aspects of daily life or self-management. The practice mirrors that found in many cultures, with the Icelandic term covering the same range as the English diary or journal.

Historically, diary-keeping appeared in many cultures and became widespread with rising literacy and new media for recording daily life. In Iceland, dagbók remains a familiar concept and practice, used in education and personal life; published dagbók or diary selections can contribute to literary life and biographical research. Privacy is often important: many dagbók are kept private, while others are edited and published post hoc.

See also: diary, journal, bullet journal, Icelandic literature.