utlåner

Utlåner is a Norwegian term for a person or institution that lends assets to another party under a loan agreement. The lender provides items, funds, or other resources for temporary use, with the expectation of return of the asset or repayment of the loan on agreed terms. The term is used across financial and non-financial contexts, including banks, credit institutions, libraries, landlords, and individuals who lend money or goods informally.

Common examples include banks and credit unions that issue loans or credit, libraries that lend books and media, and landlords who lease out property or equipment. In everyday speech, a person who lends money to a friend may be referred to as an utlåner. Lenders may require collateral or a guarantor, set repayment schedules, and charge interest or service fees. The risk for utlåner includes default risk, moral hazard, and changes in the value of collateral or assets.

Legal and contractual aspects: Lending agreements are governed by contract law, including terms on interest, repayment, default, and remedies. In commercial lending, consumer protection and financial regulation may apply, setting limits on interest rates and disclosure requirements. In rental or lending of physical goods, terms such as condition on return, wear and tear, and responsibility for damage are defined in the lending agreement, or utlåneavtale.

Origin and usage: The word derives from the Norwegian verb låne (to lend) with the prefix ut-, forming a noun for the actor who lends. Related terms in other Nordic languages exist but vary in form and usage.