kilder

Kilder is the plural form of the noun kilde in Norwegian and Danish, meaning sources. In scholarly and journalistic contexts, kilder refer to the material or evidence used to support claims, statements, or conclusions. The concept emphasizes provenance, traceability, and verifiability, guiding readers to the origins of information.

In research and writing, kilder provide the basis for evaluating credibility and reliability. They can be primary sources (original data, documents, artifacts, eyewitness accounts), secondary sources (analysis, interpretation, summaries), or tertiary sources (encyclopedias, handbooks). The choice and combination of sources depend on purpose, discipline, and audience, but good practice emphasizes clarity about each source’s role and limitations.

Reliability considerations include authority (who produced the information), accuracy, objectivity, relevance, and currency. Researchers are advised to verify claims with multiple independent sources, cite appropriately, and acknowledge potential biases. Proper citation and documentation enable readers to locate the original material and assess its context.

In addition to information, the term kilder also has a physical sense in hydrology and geography, where it denotes a natural source of water such as springs or wells. This usage appears in Norwegian and Danish as a standard term for water sources. Context usually clarifies which meaning is intended.

See also: citation practices, source criticism, primary sources, hydrological sources.