Dugnadseksperten

Dugnadseksperten helps sporting teams and schools throughout Norway with organizing fundraising activities. This concept is called Dugnad. We have written an extensive article with all you need to know.

The Norwegian Dugnad-- What is this vital communal event?

Spend time checking into and reading about any kind of culture, and there will constantly be oddities that turn up from time to time. Every nation has its own culture and history, and this will involve many moments where things, frankly, seem a little strange. To an outsider, these cultural events can seem out of place or ill-fitting due to not fitting in with their own national structure.

If you wish to locate an example of a nationwide communal event that really helps to describe the national spirit, though, you should look no further than the Dugnad. For Norwegians, this community event is an incredible example of their spirit and their community.

What is Dugnad?

Dugnad is a term made use of in Norway to describe a period of voluntary job that is carried out alongside others. It is a vital kind of community work and togetherness, bringing people together to help make things much better in their own constituency. For many Norwegians, this is a core part of their identity; the Dugnad is something to be celebrated, to be excited for.

Without a doubt, it was voted the Norwegian word of the year as far back as 2004 by popular Norwegian television platform Typisk Norsk. Those who take part in Dugnad are helping to make their own community, and by extension the wider nation, a better place. Essentially, it is the bringing together of the community to work together for the betterment of all.

At the end of Dugnad, it is common for those who take part to enjoy a meal together. The meal is often made-up of dishes that are brought to the event by the different Dugnad participants. As such, the meal itself fits the communal message and theme of the event itself.