kjennemerke

Kjennemerke is a Norwegian noun that refers to a sign, mark, or badge used to identify or recognize someone or something. It is a generic term that can denote an identifying feature, affiliation, ownership, or status, and it is used across various domains.

In everyday language the word is commonly associated with official or formal marks. For vehicles, kjennemerke often denotes the license or registration plate that identifies a car or other motor vehicle. Beyond transportation, the term can describe identification marks on livestock, goods, or objects issued by authorities, as well as insignia or badges that signify membership, rank, or eligibility.

Etymologically, kjennemerke is built from the verb kjenne (to know or recognize) and merke (mark). In practice, related terms are used for more specific meanings: kjennetegn for distinguishing feature, varemerke for trademark, and registreringsnummer or registreringsmerke for registration numbers on vehicles. The concept is cognate with similar terms in other Scandinavian languages, such as the Danish kendetegn and the Swedish kännetecken, which carry closely related senses of distinguishing features or marks.

Kjennemerke functions as a broad label for signs that enable identification, verification, or attribution, spanning official documentation, everyday objects, and symbolic insignia. Its precise interpretation usually depends on the context, with more specific terms preferred in technical or legal discussions.