mál

Mål is a noun used in Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian to denote a goal, aim, or target. In sports, it refers to a goal scored or the physical goal itself; in planning and everyday language it denotes an objective to be reached. The meaning can be concrete (a specific target in a game) or abstract (a personal or organizational objective).

The word originates in Old Norse mǫl and has cognates across the North Germanic languages, including Danish mål and Norwegian mål, as well as Swedish mål. The core sense involves end, limit, or purpose, which remains consistent across languages.

Usage and common formations are widespread. Subgoals are often called delmål, and the overall aim is referred to as övergripande mål. Målsättning is used for goal setting, while målmedveten describes someone who is goal-oriented or determined to achieve a target. The word routinely appears in educational, corporate, sports, and policy contexts, reflecting both practical targets and broader ambitions.

In summary, mål is a versatile term central to expressing aims, endpoints, and intended outcomes in Nordic languages. Its usage spans everyday speech, professional discourse, and athletic contexts, with a family of related formations that expand its range of meaning.