skyldigheten

skyldigheten is a Norwegian term that translates roughly to "the obligation" or "duty," used to describe a moral or legal requirement to act or refrain from acting. It covers responsibilities toward family, society, the state, or oneself, and can refer to duties formalized by law as well as to broader moral expectations.

Etymology: the word comes from Old Norse schuld or skyld, meaning guilt or liability, with the suffix -ighet forming an abstract noun. Cognates exist in Swedish (skyldighet) and Danish (skyldighed). In modern Norwegian, skyldighet is related to but distinct from skyld, which means guilt or being liable; skyldighet expresses the state of being obligated.

Differences from plikt: skyldighet generally connotes a moral or social obligation, whereas plikt is often used for formal duties defined by rules or law. The two terms overlap and can be interchangeable in everyday speech, but the nuance matters in legal or ethical discussions where formal obligations are emphasized.

In philosophy and law: the concept is central to deontological ethics, where actions are judged by whether they fulfill obligations rather than by outcomes. In Norwegian law and civil life, skyldighet can refer to contractual duties, statutory obligations, or social responsibilities (for example, duties to report information or to participate in civic life). It also appears in discussions of professional ethics, education, and public policy.

Cultural usage: the notion of fulfilling one's skyldighet is common in public discourse about citizenship, ethics, and personal responsibility. The word appears in education, policy discussions, and everyday language to express normative expectation rather than a mere right or privilege.