udtrykkelse

Udtrykkelse is a Danish noun describing the act and result of expressing something, such as thoughts, feelings, opinions, or ideas. It is formed from the verb udtrykke ("to express") with the suffix -else, and is used across fields to refer to both the process of expressing and what is expressed.

In everyday language, udtrykkelse covers linguistic expression (the choice of words, tone, and syntax), as well as nonverbal forms such as gestures, facial expressions, and artistic output. In psychology and the social sciences, it is used to discuss how individuals convey internal states and how these expressions are perceived by others. Political and cultural contexts also use the term to describe public or collective expression, such as self-expression in art or opinion expression in media.

Interpretation of udtrykkelse depends on context, culture, and audience; expression is not a direct transmission of meaning but a form that may be shaped by norms, power relations, and reception. The concept is related to yet distinct from general communication, as expression focuses on the representation of inner content, while communication also includes reception and response.

Synonyms include udtryk and selvudtryk; related concepts include ytringsfrihed and artistic expression.