tydeligheden

Tydeligheden, or tydeligheden in its definite form tydeligheden, is a Danish noun that denotes the quality of being clear, obvious, or easily understood. It encompasses both linguistic clarity and visual or conceptual lucidity, depending on the context. The term is built from tydelig, meaning clear, and -hed, a suffix forming abstract nouns.

In practice, tydeligheden is used across fields such as communication, design, education, and public policy. In writing and speaking, it refers to the ability to convey a message without unnecessary complexity, using plain language, logical structure, and concrete terms. In design and signage, it covers legibility and perceptual clarity, including typography, contrast, and iconography that make information quickly recognizable. In public administration and law, tydeligheden is associated with transparent, accessible communication aimed at broad audiences, including non-native speakers and people with varying literacy levels.

Measuring tydeligheden is not standardized; it is often evaluated through user testing, readability and comprehension studies, and adherence to plain-language guidelines. Best practices typically emphasize short sentences, active voice, well-defined terms, clear headings, and explicit instructions. Critics note that an excessive focus on tydeligheden can risk oversimplification or neglect of nuance, particularly in complex or technical domains.

Related concepts include clarity, comprehensibility, readability, and legibility. In Danish discourse, tydeligheden underscores the goal of making information accessible and usable to as many people as possible, balancing simplicity with accuracy and nuance. See also: plain language, readability, legibility, clarity.