Þekking

Þekking is the Icelandic noun for knowledge, awareness, and understanding. It is used for both factual information and a broader grasp of a subject. In everyday language, it can mean knowing a fact, knowing how to do something, or having conceptual understanding.

Etymology: The word derives from the verb þekkja, “to know.” In Old Norse and early Icelandic forms related to cognitive and perceptual knowledge are attested. The noun has remained common in modern Icelandic, maintaining the same general sense.

Usage and scope: In education and science, þekking denotes knowledge that has been acquired through study, experience, or observation. Phrases such as afla sér þekkingu (“to acquire knowledge”) are common. In philosophy, the term can correspond to the notion of knowledge as justified true belief, but in everyday speech it simply means knowledge rather than a technical epistemic standard.

Relation to related concepts: Þekking is often distinguished from viska (wisdom) and hæfni (ability or skill). Viska refers to deeper insight and prudent judgment, while þekking refers to information and understanding that can be learned or taught. The word also appears in academic and institutional contexts as a general term for knowledge.