erfarenhet

Erfarenhet is a noun used in Norwegian and Swedish to denote practical experience or know-how gained through participation in activities, work, study, or life events. It emphasizes applied understanding and the capacity to handle real-world situations, often including tacit knowledge that is difficult to convey through theory alone. The term is commonly contrasted with purely theoretical knowledge, highlighting what a person has learned by doing.

Etymology and form: The word is formed from a verb meaning to experience and the abstract-noun suffix -het, a pattern shared by related words in the Scandinavian languages. It is closely related to other terms such as erfaring, which also denotes experience but may carry different emphases in nuance or usage.

Usage and scope: Erfarenhet encompasses a broad range of practical knowledge, including skills developed through work assignments, projects, internships, volunteering, and life events. It can refer to both depth (specialized expertise) and breadth (varied exposure). In everyday language, people may speak of “relevant erfarenhet” when discussing qualifications or readiness for a task.

Employment and evaluation: In job applications and professional contexts, erfarenhet is a central criterion alongside education and competencies. Employers often assess not only the length of experience but its relevance to the role, recency, and demonstrated results. Continuous learning and up-to-date practical experience are increasingly valued across industries.

See also: Arbeidserfaring, faglig erfaring, kompetanse, kunnskap. These related terms distinguish practical experience from formal knowledge or broader competence, but they are frequently used together to describe a person’s qualifications and capabilities.