erklære

Erklære is a verb used in Danish and Norwegian to mean to declare, proclaim, or state something publicly. It is typically employed in formal or official contexts, such as when a government or authority declares war, neutrality, independence, or a policy, as well as when an individual states a fact or intention publicly.

Etymology and cognates: The word derives from a prefix meaning “to make clear” combined with a root related to clarity. It is cognate with the German erklären, and related to the noun erkærning/erklæring in Scandinavian languages, which denotes a declaration or statement.

Usage and forms: The infinitive is erklære. In Danish and Norwegian the verb follows standard Germanic conjugation patterns. In present tense you commonly find erklærer; in simple past tense erklærte or erklærede depending on the language variety; in perfect tense you form har erklært. The exact spelling and pronunciation vary slightly between Danish and Norwegian, but the meaning remains the same.

Common contexts:

- A state or ruler declares war: Nationen erklærte krig (Norwegian) or Nationen erklærede krig (Danish).

- A country declares neutrality or independence: landet erklærte sin nøytralitet (Norwegian) or landet erklærede sin neutralitet (Danish).

- An official or leader declares support or intent: lederen erklærte sin støtte.

Notes: Erklære is distinct from forklar(e), which means to explain rather than to declare. The related noun is erklæring, meaning a declaration or statement.

See also: erklæring, forklare.