starfsfélaga

Starfsfélagi is an Icelandic noun meaning a person who works at the same workplace, i.e., a colleague or coworker. The term combines starfs, “work,” and félagi, “companion” or “partner.” In everyday use it refers to someone who shares employment with another, without implying a superior-subordinate relationship.

Usage and role: A starfsfélagi is someone who collaborates on tasks, shares duties, and interacts regularly as part of a team. The term covers colleagues across departments and positions, from entry-level workers to specialists working side by side. It is distinct from a boss or manager, who is usually referred to as yfirmaður, and signals a peer-level professional relationship rather than rank.

Grammar and forms: In Icelandic, starfsfélaga is the genitive singular form of starfsfélagi, used to express possession or association, for example in the phrase “bók starfsfélaga hans,” meaning “his coworker’s book.” The nominative form is starfsfélagi, while the plural forms are used in contexts involving multiple colleagues, depending on the sentence structure.

Cultural and practical notes: The concept emphasizes collaboration, mutual respect, and professional boundaries within a workplace. While coworkers share tasks and goals, reporting structures and roles may vary by organization. Clear communication and professionalism among starfsfélagar support effective teamwork and workplace culture.

See also: Colleague, coworker, workplace relationships, professional etiquette.