genomgående

Genomgående is a Scandinavian term used primarily as an adjective to describe something that goes through, across, or is present throughout a system, structure, or context. The sense is that the feature or quality extends from one end to the other or is consistently applied in all parts. Related forms exist in other Nordic languages: Norwegian bokmål gjennomgående and Danish gennemgående.

Etymology and variants

The word is built from genom/gjennom (through) and gå/gående (going), signaling movement or continuity through an object or space. In practice, genomgående conveys a sense of completeness or uniformity that cuts across separate elements, rather than being limited to a single part or moment. The Swedish term is closely paralleled by the Norwegian gjennomgående and Danish gennemgående, which carry similar meanings in their respective contexts.

Usage and contexts

In everyday language, genomgående describes a theme, quality, or approach that is present across an entire work or organization, such as a genomgående tema in a book or a genomgående kvalitetskrav in a project. In urban planning and architecture, it can refer to through routes or layouts, for example a genomgående gata (through street) that connects districts without interruptions, or a genomgående planlösning (open, continuous floor plan) where spaces align for flow and accessibility. In transportation, the term may describe services that continue through a hub or corridor, such as genomgående tåg that pass through stations without reversing direction.

See also

Through traffic, open floor plan, consistent quality.