fravær

Fravær is a Danish and Norwegian noun meaning absence or non-attendance, i.e., the state of not being present where one is expected to be. The word is formed from fra "from" and vær (being/presence), and is used in everyday language as well as in formal contexts to describe non-attendance in schools, workplaces, meetings and other commitments.

In education, fravær refers to a pupil's or student's absence from class. Schools typically record fravær as the number of days or a percentage of time missed. Distinctions are often made between authorized or excused absence (for illness, family events, etc.) and unauthorized or unexcused absence. Excessive fravær can trigger administrative follow-up, reporting to guardians and potential interventions aimed at improving attendance and learning outcomes.

In work settings, fravær denotes employee absence from work duties. It includes sick leave (sygfravær), holiday leave, and other forms of leave. Employers monitor fravær levels for payroll, staffing and productivity planning. Depending on jurisdiction and company policy, there may be requirements to report absence and provide documentation, such as a medical certificate for extended sick leave.

In statistics and policy, fravær rates are used to assess educational attainment, workforce participation and social well-being. Governments and institutions may publish fraværsstatistikker to inform interventions or resource allocation.

The term is used across Danish and Norwegian contexts with similar meanings, while specific rules and definitions vary by country, institution, and legal framework.