vidtgående

Vidtgående is an adjective used in Danish (and Norwegian) to describe something that is far-reaching or extensive in scope and impact. It characterizes actions, reforms, plans, analyses, or consequences that reach beyond immediate effects and influence multiple areas, levels, or time horizons. The term often appears in political, administrative, academic, and media contexts, where a broad, systemic perspective is needed.

Etymology and usage notes: Vidtgående is a compound of vidt (wide) and gående (going), forming a formal, descriptive label. It is commonly applied to reforms, policy changes, or studies that span several sectors or raise broad implications. While neutral in core meaning, the word can carry evaluative nuance depending on context—implying significance or seriousness of the reach.

Nuance and related terms: Vidtgående emphasizes breadth and systemic reach, as opposed to depth. It is related to but distinct from synonyms like omfattende (comprehensive) or bred (broad). In some contexts, dybtgående (deep-going) or dybtgående konsekvenser would describe depth rather than breadth.

Common contexts: The term is typical in discussions of public policy, governance, economics, sociology, and organizational planning, where stakeholders assess long-term, cross-cutting effects of proposals or events.

Examples of usage: vidtgående reformer, vidtgående ændringer, vidtgående konsekvenser for samfundet, en vidtgående analyse. These phrases illustrate the breadth of impact or scope that the term conveys.