gjennomsiktig

Gjennomsiktig is a Norwegian adjective meaning that something can be seen through or that information is easy to understand. In a physical sense, it describes materials that transmit light with little scattering. In a figurative sense, it refers to openness and clarity in processes, policies, or communications.

Etymology and cognates: the word is formed from gjennom, meaning through, combined with a root related to sight. It has cognates in other Scandinavian languages, such as Swedish genomskinlig and Danish gennemsigtig.

Physical usage: gjennomsiktig is commonly used for windows, glass, clear plastics, and thin films. A gjennomsiktig coating or packaging is one that can be inspected or viewed through without opening it. The term is also used in discussions of media and films to indicate transparency or lack of visual obstruction.

Figurative usage: in governance, business, and data practices, gjennomsiktig describes information that is readily accessible and easy to understand. A gjennomsiktig organization prioritizes accountability and public disclosure. The noun form gjennomsiktighet is used in formal contexts to denote transparency, with the English loanword transparens appearing in some texts.

Related terms: åpenhet (openness), klarhet (clarity), and ugjennomsiktig (non-transparent). The word is common in everyday Norwegian as well as in science, media, and policy discussions.