gennemsigtige

Gennemsigtige is the Danish adjective used to describe something that is transparent or see-through, either literally (let light pass through) or figuratively (open and easy to understand). The form gennemsigtige is the plural or the feminine plural form, used before plural nouns in definite and indefinite contexts.

Etymology derives from gennem meaning through, combined with a root related to sight or seeing, signaling the idea of something that can be seen through or understood clearly. The base form gennemsigtig can be used with common gender nouns as en gennemsigtig bil, nephers or feminine nouns; et gennemsigtigt vindue is the neuter singular, and gennemsigtige vinduer is the plural.

Usage and nuance: physically, gennemsigtige materials permit light or visibility, as in gennemsigtige vinduer or gennemsigtige plastmaterialer. Metaphorically, the term describes openness, clarity, and accountability, such as en gennemsigtig beslutningsproces, gennemsigtige regler eller gennemsigtige kommunikation. In design and architecture, gennemsigtige elements are valued for creating a sense of openness and visual continuity. In journalism or governance, the word is often used to advocate or critique levels of transparency.

Grammatical notes: when describing a noun, the adjective agrees in number and gender. For example, en gennemsigtig bil (indefinite common gender), et gennemsigtigt vindue (neuter singular), gennemsigtige vinduer (plural). The basic synonyms in Danish include klar and tydelig, though gennemsigtig carries the specific sense of permeability or openness that these alternatives do not always convey.