formål

Formål is a Danish noun meaning the purpose, aim, or intended outcome of an action, project, organization, policy, or law. In English, it is commonly translated as "purpose" or "aim."

In policy and public administration, formål describes the overarching ends a measure seeks to achieve. In business and project planning, it expresses the mission or raison d'être of a company or initiative.

The term is often contrasted with mål, which refers to more concrete, measurable objectives or targets. Formål denotes the broader reason for undertaking an activity, while mål specifies the results to be reached. Other related terms include hensigt (intent) and form (the manner or method).

In legal and organizational contexts, formål is used to articulate the purpose of a law, charter, or program. Danish statutes frequently include a formålsparagraf that states the act’s aims and guides interpretation.

Guidance for writing formål emphasizes clarity and alignment with planned actions. A well-formed formål should be concise, enduring, and publicly justifiable, and it should connect to measurable outcomes where possible. Example: "The formål of the program is to reduce social exclusion by providing education, training, and supportive services."