verdenlige

Verdenlige is a Danish adjective meaning worldly or secular, in contrast to spiritual or religious meanings. It can describe things relating to the world or to practical, non-religious affairs, as well as attitudes that emphasize pragmatism and worldly concerns.

Etymology and usage notes: the word is formed from verden, meaning world, plus the adjectival suffix -lige, which conveys “like” or “characteristic of.” The term is largely literary or historical and is not common in everyday modern Danish. It often appears in texts that discuss philosophy, ethics, or culture from a secular or pragmatic perspective.

Usage and nuance: verdenlige typically contrasts with domains such as religion, sacredness, or transcendence. Depending on context, it can carry a neutral sense or a slightly pejorative nuance, suggesting a pragmatic, material, or non-spiritual worldview. In contemporary Danish, the term is more likely to be found in historical writings, literary works, or discussions of religious and cultural history.

Examples: verdenlige tanker (worldly thoughts), verdenlige skikke (worldly customs). The adjective can be inflected to agree with nouns, with forms varying by number and gender in Danish grammar. Because of its historical tone, verdenlige is most often encountered when analyzing older texts or discussing traditional distinctions between worldly and divine matters.