kundskab

Kundskab is a Danish noun that denotes knowledge, understanding, or proficiency in a subject, field, or activity. In everyday use it covers both factual knowledge about facts and the ability to apply concepts, as well as skills acquired through practice. The term sits broadly between "knowledge" and "skill," and in many contexts it is contrasted with videnskab (science) or with færdigheder (practical abilities).

It is cognate with Swedish kunskap and Norwegian kunnskap and derives from the verb kunne (to know) with the suffix -skab forming a state or quality. In older Danish and other North Germanic languages, related forms appear with similar meanings. Kundskab emphasizes knowledge as a state or possession, while it can refer to theoretical understanding as well as practical know-how.

In philosophy and epistemology, kundskab is used to denote knowledge, often discussed as justified true belief, though contemporary discussions recognize additional requirements such as reliability and context. In education, kundskab represents the content of learning—facts, concepts, and methods—often balanced with færdigheder (skills) in curricula. In religious or cultural contexts it can denote knowledge of moral, theological, or historical matters. Overall, the term functions as a broad, neutral label for what a person knows and can do.