diskutere

Diskutere is a verb used in Danish and Norwegian to express the act of discussing or debating a topic. It translates to English “to discuss” and is used for weighing arguments, ideas, or plans in conversation, writing, or formal proceedings. The word is cognate with Swedish diskutera and English discuss, all sharing a common Latin root.

Etymology: The term ultimately derives from Latin discutere, via Old French discuter, and is cognate with English discuss and Swedish diskutera. The development across the Scandinavian languages retains a similar meaning and core sense of considering differing points of view.

Conjugation and forms: In Danish, the infinitive is diskutere; present tense diskuterer; past tense diskuterede; past participle diskuteret; present participle diskuterende. In Norwegian Bokmål, infinitive is diskutere; present diskuterer; past diskuterte; past participle diskutert; present participle diskuterende. The verb is generally transitive, taking a direct object or a clause, for example: “Vi diskuterer forslaget” (Danish) or “Vi diskuterer konsekvensene” (Norwegian).

Usage and nuance: Diskutere is a neutral, everyday verb suitable for both spoken and written language. It commonly pairs with a direct object (“diskutere noe”) or with clauses introduced by “om” in some contexts. Its synonym debattere may carry a slightly more formal or adversarial nuance, whereas diskutere emphasizes weighing pros and cons and exploring ideas.

Translations and related terms: Beyond Danish and Norwegian, related forms appear in Swedish (diskutera). In English, the verb is "to discuss." The noun form in this family of languages often corresponds to “discussion” in English.