plikten

Plikten is a noun used in Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish to denote a duty, obligation, or responsibility. It covers moral duties, legal obligations, and social expectations, and appears in both formal and everyday language. The definite form plikten is used when speaking of a specific obligation.

Etymology and cognates: Plikt or pligt forms the core across several Scandinavian languages, with plikten as the definite form in Norwegian and Danish (and a similar form in Swedish). The root is cognate with other Germanic terms for obligation and duty, connecting to a broader family of words that describe what one is required to do.

Usage and context: In legal contexts, plikt denotes duties mandated by law, such as paying taxes or following regulations. In ethics and philosophy, it refers to moral duties that arise from reason, norms, or social expectations. In everyday life, it can describe responsibilities within family, work, or community life—expectations that individuals are expected to fulfill.

Distinctions: Plikt is often distinguished from skyldighet, which tends to emphasize moral or ethical obligation, whereas plikt has a stronger association with formal or recognized duties. Another related concept is ansvar, which focuses more on accountability or liability than on the obligation itself.

See also: Pflichten, Pflicht, pligt, skyldighet, ansvar.