krænkelsen

KRÆNKELSE is the Danish term for an offense or act of insult, often used within the context of Denmark’s criminal law. As a legal concept, it refers to any conduct that harms another person’s reputation or dignity, including defamation, humiliation, or concussion. In the Danish Penal Code, criminal offences of this nature are covered primarily by § 266-1 and § 267b, which prohibit shouting threats or stuttering insults that might cause psychological harm or disrupt public order. These provisions allow the police to intervene and the judiciary to impose penalties, such as fines or short prison sentences, for matters that are especially severe or repeat offenders.

The term also occurs in civil law, where a person may seek compensation under the duty of care and the principle of respect for human dignity. Denmark’s constitution protects the freedom of expression, but this right is limited when expression crosses into unlawful insults. Consequently, determinations of whether a statement constitutes a legal “krænkelse” involve a balanced assessment of the right to free speech against the protection of individual honor.

In practice, “krænkelsen” is often invoked in disputes over online behavior, workplace harassment, or public conduct. Courts examine context, intent, and the magnitude of the potential harm. Because the law remains technically broad, it has prompted discussions about the boundaries of free expression in contemporary society. The term carries an acute public resonance, especially in high‑profile cases involving political satire or controversial public statements. Despite its negative connotations, “krænkelse” serves as a key safeguard in Danish law against the abuse of language and the violation of personal dignity.