række

Række is a Danish word used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes a row or line of objects arranged in order, and more broadly a sequence, series, or range of items. In mathematics, en række refers to a sequence or a series, for example en geometrisk række (a geometric series) or en uendelig række (an infinite series).

As a verb, række means to stretch or extend, and in phrases it can mean to reach out or to present or offer something, for example “række hånden ud” (to reach out one’s hand).

Etymology and cognates: The word has roots in Old Danish and related Scandinavian languages, reflecting the idea of arranging in order. Cognates occur in other Germanic languages, with related forms such as Norwegian rekke used for similar meanings.

Common compounds and usage: One well-known compound is rækkehus, which denotes a terraced house. The concept also appears in everyday phrases describing physical arrangements (a række af stole, a row of chairs) or in planning and analysis to describe a sequence of steps or items.

Usage note: In Danish, række covers everyday meanings of order and sequence as well as specific mathematical usage. Related terms exist in neighboring Scandinavian languages with similar sense, though exact spellings may differ.