magten

Magten is a Danish term meaning power, authority, or control. In everyday and formal language, magten refers to the capacity to influence or direct events, and specifically to political authority exercised by the state, government, or other institutions, as well as to the influence wielded by individuals or groups. The definite form magten is used when speaking about “the power” in a given context, for example the power held by a government or ruling party, or the power of the law.

Etymology and cognates: Magten is part of a family of Germanic words for power. It is closely related to the Danish noun magt and has cognates in neighboring languages, such as Swedish makt, Norwegian makt or makten, and German Macht, Dutch macht. The roots are typically linked to notions of strength, capability, and the capacity to act.

Uses and concepts: In political and constitutional discourse, magten denotes both the institutions that exercise authority and the authority itself. Common phrases include at holde magten (to hold the power), at miste magten (to lose power), magtfordeling (separation of powers), and magtkamp (power struggle). The concept encompasses formal authority vested in offices as well as informal influence within societies.

See also: makt, magtfordeling, magtbalance, magtkamp, Danish constitutional and political vocabulary.