ákvarðanirnar

Ákvarðanirnar is Icelandic for “the decisions” and is used to refer to a set of specific decisions that are under discussion or have been previously mentioned. In everyday language, the phrase can denote political decisions as well as personal choices, whenever the context makes clear which decisions are being talked about.

Origin and form: The term derives from the word avörðun/ákvörðun meaning decision. The definite plural form ákvarðanirnar marks both plurality and definiteness, a common pattern in standard Icelandic when speaking of particular decisions.

Usage and context: In journalism and political commentary, ákvarðanirnar is used to highlight the consequences, implications, and accountability associated with decisions made by authorities or organizations. In academic discussions, the phrase appears in analyses of decision-making processes, including how information, risk, and values shape outcomes. The expression can also function in legal and administrative contexts to reference specific rulings, policies, or strategic choices that influence governance or public administration.

See also: decision theory, governance, public administration, ethics, Icelandic language.