spørgsmålet

Spørgsmålet is the definite singular form of the Danish noun spørgsmål, meaning "a question" or "a matter to be asked." It refers to a specific question that is under discussion or consideration. The indefinite singular is et spørgsmål, the indefinite plural is spørgsmål, and the definite plural is spørgsmålene.

Etymology and form: The word combines the verb spørge, meaning "to ask," with the noun mål, historically meaning "speech" or "matter." The combined sense is something like "the thing to be asked." The term thus belongs to Danish and is cognate with related forms in other Scandinavian languages. Spørgsmålet, as the definite singular, is a neuter noun; its plural definite form is spørgsmålene.

Usage: Spørgsmålet is widely used in everyday Danish as well as in formal writing and speech to designate a particular inquiry. It commonly appears in debates, interviews, and academic contexts. Examples include: "Spørgsmålet er, hvordan vi implementerer løsningen." and "I debatten blev spørgsmålet om finansiering emphasized." The phrase "retoriske spørgsmål" (rhetorical questions) is a common related usage, referring to questions asked for effect rather than for an answer.

See also: Spørgsmål (the base concept of a question) and retoriske spørgsmål (rhetorical questions). The term is a staple in Danish discourse for signaling a specific issue or point that invites examination or response.