ordbog

Ordbog is the Danish word for dictionary, used to refer to lexicographic works that collect and describe the vocabulary of a language. In Danish language contexts, the term signals a reference work that presents headwords, meanings, grammatical information, usage notes, and often examples of how words are used in context. The concept is central to Danish lexicography and language study.

The most prominent dictionary with this title is Ordbog over det danske Sprog (ODS), a major national reference work compiled by Det Danske Sprog- og Litteraturselskab. ODS exists in historical print editions and in a widely used online edition, which provides Danish headwords, definitions, etymologies, and usage information for both contemporary and historical forms. The ongoing project aims to document the Danish lexicon comprehensively and to reflect changes in language over time.

Etymologically, ordbog combines ord, meaning word, with bog, meaning book, reflecting the traditional concept of a book of words. Cognate forms appear in other Scandinavian languages, such as Norwegian ordbok and Swedish ordbok, which share the same basic meaning and function.

Beyond ODS, other dictionaries may bear the name Ordbog in their title, including works focusing on specific registers, historical stages, or specialized vocabularies. In Danish libraries, education, and linguistic research, Ordbog-type references serve as foundational tools for understanding word forms, meanings, and language evolution.