hlutverki

Hlutverki is an Icelandic term used to describe the role, function, or duty that a person or thing has within a larger system, narrative, or organization. The form hlutverki is the dative singular of hlutverk, and appears in constructions such as í hlutverki, meaning in the role of. In practice, it covers both fictional roles in theatre and film as well as real-world duties in work and social life.

Etymology and meaning: The word is a compound built from hlut (part) and verk (work or deed). Together they denote a specific part one plays or a function one performs within a collective. This broad sense makes hlutverk a versatile term across discourse about performance, organization, and social structure.

Uses in theatre and media: In drama and cinema, hlutverk refers to a character’s part. An actor may play a particular hlutverk, and productions announce the fjögur hlutverk (four roles) to be cast. Phrases such as í hlutverki konungs literally mean in the role of the king, indicating the character being portrayed.

Uses in organizations and society: In workplaces and institutions, hlutverk denotes the duties assigned to a person or group. Clear articulation of hlutverk improves coordination, accountability, and decision-making. The term is common in job descriptions, project planning, governance, and performance assessments.

Relation to related terms: Hlutverk is closely related to terms such as starf (position or post) and ábyrgð (responsibility). While hlutverk emphasizes the function within a system, starf highlights official status, and ábyrgð focuses on obligations and accountability.

See also: theatre roles, organizational roles, social roles.