faderen

Faderen is the definite singular form of the noun meaning “father” in Danish and Norwegian, used when referring to a specific father. In English, the equivalent is “the father.” The form also appears as a religious or scholarly title, such as in translations of “God the Father,” where capitalization and context may vary by language.

In Danish, faderen is the standard definite form of fader (father). In Norwegian Bokmål, the corresponding definite form is usually faren; faderen occurs mainly in more formal, archaic, or religious contexts and in some dialects or historical texts.

Etymology: The word ultimately derives from Proto-Germanic *faðer- and is cognate with the English father, German Vater, Dutch vader, and Swedish far. The definite form in Scandinavian languages arose from attaching a definite suffix to the noun, yielding forms such as faderen in Danish and faren or faderen in Norwegian contexts.

Usage: The definite form signals that the father is known or uniquely identified, such as in family references or theological phrases. In everyday speech in Norway and Denmark, speakers may use the less formal indefinite form in casual conversation and reserve the definite form for written language, formal speech, or specific references.

See also: Father, God the Father, Germanic cognates.