grunnlag

Grunnlag is a Norwegian noun that denotes the basis, foundation, or underlying set of facts, data, or conditions on which something rests. It refers to the justification, reasons, or evidence that support a claim, decision, action, or analysis. The word is widely used across everyday language and professional contexts to indicate what provides legitimacy or stability for a conclusion or course of action.

Etymology and sense development: grunn meaning ground or foundation and lag meaning layer or stratum combine to express something that sits beneath or supports another thing. In use, grunnlag emphasizes the justificatory or evidentiary aspect of what follows.

Common usages:

- Law and public administration: grunnlag for en beslutning or juridisk grunnlag describes the legal or rational basis for a decision.

- Research and statistics: grunnlagsdata or grunnlag for en analyse refer to the data or evidence used as the starting point for an analysis or conclusion.

- Economics and budgeting: grunnlag for budsjettet indicates the figures or assumptions that form the basis for budgeting.

- Debate and journalism: grunnlag for påstanden refers to the basis or evidence supporting a claim.

Related terms include basis and fundament, while forutsetning denotes a condition or prerequisite. Grunnlag is a versatile term in Norwegian, signaling the foundational support that legitimizes actions, statements, or conclusions.