redegørelse

Redegørelse is a Danish noun that denotes an account, explanation, or exposition of facts, events, or circumstances. It derives from the verb redegøre, meaning to explain or account for. The term is used to describe a formal statement intended to clarify what happened, why it happened, and what follows from it. In Norwegian Bokmål the cognate term is redegjørelse, with a similar meaning.

Common contexts for redegørelse include public administration, business, academia, and journalism. In government and municipal work, a redegørelse typically outlines policy objectives, the reasoning behind decisions, progress, results, and potential risks. In corporate or project management, it may summarize milestones, outcomes, and supporting data. In research or media, a redegørelse can document methods, sources, or background information that supports a subsequent analysis or report.

Characteristics of a redegørelse are its aim for clarity and factual basis. It is usually structured and evidence-based, often including data, references, and a chronological or thematic organization. While it may offer conclusions or implications, its primary function is explanatory rather than argumentative, serving as a transparent account to inform decision-making or public understanding.

Relation to similar terms can vary by context. A redegørelse is often distinguished from a rapport (a more formal, comprehensive report) and from an oplæg (a briefing or presentation intended to persuade or propose). Overall, redegørelse functions as a factual, structured account designed to render complex information accessible.