vanskeliggjøre

Vanskeliggjøre is a Norwegian verb that means to make something more difficult or to hinder progress by introducing obstacles or complications. It is commonly used about administrative processes, procedures, or decisions, and it often implies an intentional or perceived effort to complicate matters rather than simply increasing difficulty by chance.

Etymology and usage context: the word derives from vanskelighet, meaning difficulty, combined with the causative suffix -gjøre (to make). It is widely used in both written and spoken Norwegian, particularly in formal, bureaucratic, or political contexts. The term is cognate with Danish vanskeliggøre, which carries a similar meaning.

Common usage patterns: people say "å vanskeliggjøre prosessen," "å vanskeliggjøre arbeidet," or "vanskeliggjøre tiltak." The phrasing frequently carries a critical or evaluative tone, suggesting that someone or some policy creates unnecessary obstacles. Synonyms and related expressions include "komplisere" (to complicate) and "hindre" (to hinder); antonyms include "forenkle" (to simplify) and "lette" (to make easier).

Examples:

- Regjeringens nye krav kan vanskeliggjøre søknadsprosessen for små bedrifter.

- Lokal administrasjon ble kritisert for å vanskeliggjøre byggesøknader gjennom unødvendig byråkrati.

Notes: In many contexts nuanceenlig the word tilnærmer seg "komplisere" rather than simply increasing difficulty, and its acceptability can depend on tone and perspective.