kompetent

Kompetent is an adjective used in several languages, notably Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish, meaning having the necessary ability, knowledge, and skills to perform a task. In English the standard form is competent, but "kompetent" appears as a direct cognate in these languages and in various formal or technical registers. The noun form in many of these languages is related: kompetanse or kompetens denotes the state or quality of being competent.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin competens meaning fitting, proper, from com- "together" and petere "to seek, strive." Through Latin and Old French it spread to the Germanic languages, where it remains common.

Usage: Competent is used to describe people, organizations, or systems that meet a required standard of capability. It carries a neutral tone, distinguishing qualification and reliability from other traits such as intelligence or enthusiasm. It is often contrasted with "incompetent" to indicate lack of qualification.

In modern contexts, authors may discuss competence frameworks, certification, and professional standards; the term also appears in phrases like "a competent professional" or "competent authorities" in translations or multilingual texts.

See also: competence, competency, capable, proficiency.