trinn

Trinn is a Norwegian noun meaning step, rung, level, or stage. In everyday language it commonly refers to a physical step on a staircase, as in a single step (“ett trinn”) or when describing moving up stairs. It is also used metaphorically to denote levels or stages in a process, skill development, or a hierarchical system.

Etymology and forms: The term derives from older Scandinavian languages and is cognate with Swedish “trinn” and Danish “trin.” The word is typically used as a neuter noun; the indefinite singular is “et trinn,” the plural is “trinn,” and the definite plural is “trinnene.”

Education usage: In Norway, trinn is the basic unit for year groups in grunnskolen (compulsory education), which runs from 1. to 10. trinn. The system is divided into barnetrinnet (1.–7. trinn) and ungdomstrinnet (8.–10. trinn). Students advance to the next trinn based on assessment and progression criteria. The term is also used more broadly in educational and training contexts to describe progressive levels of competence or qualification.

Other uses: Beyond schooling, trinn describes levels in construction and design (the height of a stair step), and in everyday language it appears in phrases like “å ta et trinn videre” (to take a step forward) or “i flere trinn” (in several steps), indicating gradual progression in plans, policies, or projects.

In summary, trinn is a versatile Norwegian word for steps and levels, with primary significance in describing physical stairs and the structured grade levels within Norway’s compulsory education system.