responsen

Responsen is the definite form of the noun respons in Danish and Norwegian, meaning the response or the answer. In both languages, indefinite nouns can take a definite suffix, so respons becomes responsen in the singular definite form. The term is used in formal and informal contexts to refer to a specific reply, feedback, or reaction to a question, request, or event.

Etymology and related forms: The word ultimately derives from Latin responsum, via French or directly into European languages, and then into Danish and Norwegian with the definite article suffix -en. The indefinite form respons coexists with this definite form to cover general or non-specific responses as well.

Usage: Responsen appears in journalism, surveys, customer service, science, and everyday speech to denote a particular answer or reaction. It can describe both human replies and responses from systems, organizations, or processes.

Examples: In Norwegian, one might say, “Responsen på undersøkelsen var høy.” In Danish, “Responsen var positiv.” In both cases the definite form refers to a specific, identifiable reply rather than a generic concept of responding.

Geographic and linguistic notes: The term is standard in Danish and Norwegian. In Swedish, the equivalent common word is svar, though respons is sometimes understood; stylistic or regional preferences may differ.

See also: Danish language, Norwegian language, Svar, Response, Réponse.