"Døgn" means a period of 24 hours
In a few languages this word is in regular use (i.e everybody knows it, and
uses it regularily), and the lack of this word in the English language baffles
many English language students from these countries..
These languages have the word "Døgn" or it's equivalent,
in regular use:
This word, meaning "24 hours" is quite handy in the following
situations:
- "Ser deg om et døgn" - See you in 24 hours
- "Åpent hele døgnet" - Open 24 hours
Although it can mean the same as the English word "day",
the word "day" implies daytime, something which Døgn does
not:
A døgn is a døgn, no matter what time of day you choose to use
the word. Besides, it consistently means exactly 24 hours. A Nordic boss
might say: "I want this done in a døgn", meaning you lose your
job if it isn't done in 24 hours. You would never hear anybody say "I want
this done in a day" or even "I want this done in a day and a
night", because they are not exact time measurements.
Of course, you could say "I want this done in 24 hours", but that's
still not a døgn. Then again - They day I hear my boss scream "I
WANT THIS DONE IN A NYCTHEMERON" would probably be the way you'd see
me hand in my resignation.
Many languages lack the word "Døgn" in regular speech:
The lack of "Døgn" is by no means exclusive to English;
These other languages have no word for it:
I was unaware of this word existing in English at all until liveforever
pointed it out today - I believe it is sad that a more accessible version of
"Nycthemeron" does not exist. (Although Gritchka made me aware of Noctidial)