råd

Råd is a noun found in Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish that can denote either advice or a formal body such as a council or board, depending on context. In everyday language, the sense is “advice” or “counsel.” For example, in Swedish you can say ett råd for a single piece of guidance, and flera råd for multiple pieces of guidance; in Danish and Norwegian you likewise use råd to refer to pieces of advice. The plural form is generally the same spelling as the singular in these languages, with usage indicating quantity.

In institutional or governmental contexts, råd also denotes a council, board, or advisory body. Such councils are involved in governance within municipalities, organizations, or institutions. In Danish and Norwegian, compound forms and titles often reflect this sense, such as a municipal council or an advisory council in a public or organizational setting. While Swedish usage tends to rely on other terms for certain political bodies, råd can still appear in contexts referring to councils or committees.

Etymology and cognates trace råd back to Old Norse ráð, meaning counsel or advice, and it is linked to related Germanic-root words for guidance. The term reflects a long-standing cultural emphasis on guidance, whether in personal decision-making or collective governance.

See also: rådgivning (guidance or counseling), advisory bodies, political councils, municipal governance terms. Notes: pronounce and spell variations follow the conventions of each language, but the core meanings of advice and council remain consistent across Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish.