drikkbar

Drikkbar is a Norwegian adjective used to describe liquids that may be consumed safely and without health risk under normal conditions. It is most commonly applied to water and beverages, but can also refer to soups or other liquid foods that meet safety standards. The term is widely used in everyday speech, public health communications, and regulatory labeling to distinguish potable liquids from non-potable ones.

Etymology: The word combines the verb drikke meaning to drink with the suffix -bar, which denotes capability or suitability. The construction mirrors a common pattern in Germanic languages for forming adjectives that express "able to be X."

Usage and scope: Drikkbar focuses on safety for consumption rather than taste, texture, or aroma. It does not imply quality beyond safety; a drikkbar liquid may still be unsuitable due to flavor or dietary restrictions. In water management and food safety contexts, drikkbar is used to indicate compliance with standards for human consumption, i.e., potable water or drinkable beverages.

See also: potable water, drinkable water, food safety. References: standard dictionaries and health guidelines may define drikkbar within Norwegian language resources.