kvinner

Kvinner is the Norwegian noun for adult female humans and is the plural form of the singular kvinne. In Bokmål and Nynorsk, the indefinite plural is kvnner, while the definite plural is kvinnene (the women). The singular forms are kvinne (the woman) and kvinn en (the woman, definite). The term is used in everyday language, media, law, and academic writing to refer to women as a social group as well as individuals.

Etymology and cognates: Kvinner originates from Old Norse and is cognate with related terms in other Scandinavian languages, such as Danish kvinde and Swedish kvinna. The word is part of a common Germanic linguistic family describing adult female humans.

Usage and scope: Kvinner appears in a wide range of contexts, including discussions of gender, family, work, and health. Phrases such as kvinners rettigheter (women’s rights) and likestilling mellom kjønnene (gender equality) are common. The term is neutral and descriptive, not inherently political, though it is frequently used in debates about social policy and equality.

Societal context: In Norway, concerns about kvinners rights and equality have shaped public policy and social life for decades. Efforts to promote gender equality include measures to increase women’s participation in the workforce, politics, and leadership roles, as well as equal pay and parental leave policies. The term kvinners remains a standard reference in discussions about women in Norwegian society.