Legal & administrative Dutch

The language of official letters

• Formal prepositions name the legal basis: op grond van (on the basis of, the most common), ingevolge (pursuant to) and krachtens (by virtue of, under): Ingevolge artikel 4 is een vergunning vereist. Onverminderd means “without prejudice to”: onverminderd het bepaalde in artikel 2 (= article 2 still applies as well).
• A beschikking is a formal decision by a government body about you (an allowance, a permit, a tax assessment). Don't confuse it with ter beschikking (available). If you disagree, you can bezwaar maken (lodge an objection) by sending a bezwaarschrift.
• The termijn is the period you have to respond. The letter itself states it (for many government decisions six weeks); after that, the termijn is verstreken. A belanghebbende is an interested party: someone whose interests are directly affected.
• Typical formulas: ter inzage liggen (be available for inspection), voornoemd (aforementioned), ondergetekende (the undersigned), Hieronder valt ook… (this also includes…), dient te (must), het bepaalde in (the provisions of).
• Read such letters for three things: what was decided, on what basis, and what you can do and by when. This lesson is about the language only — for advice about your own case, ask the sender or a legal adviser.