paragrafen

Paragrafen is a term used in several European languages to denote a specific section or clause within a legal text, such as a statute, regulation, or contract. It can also refer more generally to a paragraph in prose, especially in formal writing. The exact meaning depends on language and context, but the common thread is a formal unit of content that is numbered or otherwise identified for reference.

In legal contexts, a paragraf (often written as Paragraf or § 3) divides a document into discrete statements of rights, duties, conditions, or exceptions. Legal professionals cite paragrafen to point readers to the relevant provision. The use of paragrafen supports precise interpretation, compliance, and cross-referencing across related texts.

In ordinary writing, a paragraph expresses a single idea or point. The term paragrafen is less common in this sense, but in some languages it is used to refer to a paragraph as a unit of text, especially when discussing textual structure or formatting.

Regional usage varies: the definite form paragrafen appears in languages such as Norwegian and Swedish; German uses Paragraf or Paragrafen; Danish and Icelandic show similar forms. The English equivalent is typically 'paragraph' or 'section', and many legal systems also distinguish between sections, articles, or clauses.