æreskrænkelse

Æreskrænkelse is a term used in Danish law to describe an offense against a person’s honor or reputation. It covers statements or acts that are intended to degrade a person’s dignity or that publicly present the person as unreliable, immoral, or untrustworthy. The concept is traditionally linked to personal dignity and social standing, and it can arise from spoken, written, or online communications. The harm lies in how the statements affect how others perceive the individual.

In legal practice, æreskrænkelse can refer to both insults and more substantive false allegations about a person’s character. In Denmark, it is handled within the criminal law framework and can carry penalties such as fines or, in more serious cases, imprisonment. Civil remedies may also be pursued, including compensation for damages or a public apology. The exact conduct that constitutes æreskrænkelse depends on the circumstances, including the content of the statement, its publication, and the harm it causes to the person’s reputation.

Elements commonly considered include: the statement being directed at or about a named person (or a clearly identifiable group), dissemination to a third party, and the presence of insulting or false content that damages the person’s honor. Defenses and limitations include truth of the statement, public interest, legitimate opinion or satire, and adherence to freedom of expression within legal bounds. The balance between protecting honor and safeguarding freedom of speech is central to how æreskrænkelse is interpreted in practice.

See also: defamation, freedom of expression, privacy law.