selskab

Selskab is a Danish and Norwegian noun with several related senses. The most common meanings describe a group organized for a purpose, including a business entity such as a company, corporation, or association. In everyday language it can also refer to being in someone’s company or to hosting or attending a social gathering.

In Danish usage, selskab often denotes a corporate or organizational entity. It is widely used in legal and business terms to describe forms of companies, such as aktieselskab (A/S) and anpartsselskab (ApS). The word also appears in legal phrases like selskabslovgivning (company law) and in broader contexts to denote any organized group or society. Additionally, the social sense remains common: at være i selskab means to be in the company of others, and at holde et selskab refers to hosting a social gathering or party.

In Norwegian usage, the concept is parallel: selskab can mean a company or association, though the more specific terms for business entities are aktsjeselskap (AS) or similar forms. The social sense is also present, capturing arrangements where people come together as guests or members of a group.

Etymologically, the word derives from Old Norse and older Danish roots related to forming an association or partnership, reflecting its dual modern meanings as both a formal organizational entity and a social unit.