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B2 noun 10 min de lecture

maatregel

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces maatregel en 30 secondes

Explication maatregel in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'maatregel' often, but you might see it. Think of it as a 'big rule' or a 'step' to fix something. For example, if a teacher says 'no phones in class', that is a 'maatregel'. It is a 'de-woord' (de maatregel). You can remember it as 'maat' (size/measure) + 'regel' (rule). In simple sentences: 'De school heeft een nieuwe maatregel.' (The school has a new measure/rule). You use it when someone in charge makes a decision to keep things safe or organized. It's a formal word, so you'll see it on signs or hear it on the news. Just remember: it's a thing you 'take' (nemen). 'Ik neem een maatregel.'

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At the A2 level, you start to see 'maatregel' in public spaces. You might see it at the train station (omleidingsmaatregelen) or in news headlines about the city. It means an 'official action'. It is important to know the plural: 'maatregelen'. You will often see it with the verb 'nemen' (to take). For example: 'De politie neemt maatregelen voor het feest.' (The police are taking measures for the party). It's a step up from 'regels' (rules) because it usually implies that the action is a response to a specific event. When you hear it, think: 'Someone is doing something official to solve a problem.'

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'maatregel' in your own speaking and writing, especially when discussing social issues or work. You should know common combinations like 'veiligheidsmaatregelen' (safety measures) and 'voorzorgsmaatregelen' (precautionary measures). You'll notice that 'maatregel' is used when a situation needs to be controlled or improved. Instead of just saying 'we doen iets' (we are doing something), saying 'we nemen maatregelen' makes you sound more professional and precise. You should also recognize that it's often followed by 'om... te...' to explain the purpose: 'Maatregelen om energie te besparen.' (Measures to save energy).

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At the B2 level, 'maatregel' is a key vocabulary item. You are expected to understand its nuances in political, economic, and legal contexts. You should be comfortable using verbs like 'treffen' (e.g., 'maatregelen treffen') and 'invoeren' (to introduce). You'll encounter complex terms like 'bezuinigingsmaatregelen' (austerity measures) or 'handhavingsmaatregelen' (enforcement measures). At this level, you understand that a 'maatregel' is a deliberate policy choice. You can debate whether a measure is 'effectief' (effective), 'ingrijpend' (drastic), or 'voldoende' (sufficient). You also know the difference between a 'maatregel' (the action) and a 'middel' (the tool used).

At the C1 level, you use 'maatregel' with precision and stylistic variety. You understand the administrative weight it carries. You can distinguish between 'bestuursrechtelijke maatregelen' (administrative measures) and 'strafrechtelijke sancties' (criminal sanctions). You use collocations like 'een pakket aan maatregelen' or 'stringente maatregelen'. You are aware of the word's etymology and how it fits into the broader Dutch tradition of 'polderen' and policy-making. You can use it in abstract discussions about governance, ethics, and social engineering. Your usage reflects an understanding that 'maatregel' implies a systematic approach to complex societal problems.

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At the C2 level, 'maatregel' is a tool for sophisticated discourse. You can use it to analyze the 'proportionaliteit' (proportionality) and 'subsidiariteit' (subsidiarity) of government actions. You recognize the word in historical and legal texts, understanding its evolution from a physical measurement to a metaphorical rule of law. You can use it in high-level academic or professional writing to describe intricate interventions in systems. You are also sensitive to the rhetorical use of the word—how calling something a 'maatregel' can frame it as a necessary, objective technicality rather than a subjective political choice. You command the full range of synonyms and antonyms to express the finest shades of meaning.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

maatregel en 30 secondes

A formal word for 'measure' or 'action' taken by an authority to solve a problem or regulate a situation.
Commonly paired with the verbs 'nemen' (to take) or 'treffen' (to strike/take) in professional and political contexts.
Used frequently in compounds like 'veiligheidsmaatregelen' (safety measures) and 'coronamaatregelen' (COVID measures) in daily Dutch life.
Essential for B2-level learners to discuss policy, news, and workplace changes with precision and the correct formal tone.

The Dutch word maatregel is a cornerstone of formal, administrative, and political Dutch. At its core, it refers to a specific action, rule, or step taken by an authority, organization, or individual to achieve a certain result or to solve a problem. In English, it is most frequently translated as 'measure', 'provision', or 'step'. However, unlike the English word 'measure' which can also mean a physical dimension, maatregel almost exclusively refers to an intervention or a policy action.

Formal Context: In the Dutch news, you will hear this word daily. Whether it is about climate change, the economy, or public health, governments are always 'taking measures' (maatregelen nemen). It implies a level of officialdom and deliberation. It is not just a random action; it is a calculated response to a situation.
Problem Solving: A maatregel is fundamentally reactive. There is a problem (a leak, a deficit, a pandemic), and the maatregel is the tool used to fix it. It carries the weight of necessity. If someone says, 'We moeten maatregelen treffen,' they are signaling that the current situation is untenable and requires intervention.

De regering kondigde gisteren nieuwe maatregelen aan om de inflatie te bestrijden.

Translation: The government announced new measures yesterday to combat inflation.

The word is comprised of 'maat' (measure/size) and 'regel' (rule). Etymologically, it suggests a rule that has been 'measured' out to fit a specific circumstance. This sense of 'fitting' is important; a good maatregel is proportionate to the problem it addresses. In Dutch culture, which values consensus and 'polderen' (negotiation), the debate often centers on whether a maatregel is too strict or too lenient.

Zonder extra maatregelen zal het waterpeil blijven stijgen.

Translation: Without extra measures, the water level will continue to rise.

Workplace Usage: In a professional setting, 'veiligheidsmaatregelen' (safety measures) are a frequent topic. If a company introduces a new login procedure, it's a security measure. If they change the fire exit protocol, it's a safety measure. It sounds more professional and serious than just 'nieuwe regels' (new rules).

Welke maatregel is volgens jou het meest effectief?

Finally, consider the nuance of 'maatregelen' in the plural. Often, a single step isn't enough, so people talk about a 'pakket aan maatregelen' (a package of measures). This implies a holistic approach to a complex issue. Whether you are discussing the environment, the law, or office politics, mastering this word allows you to discuss solutions with the gravity they deserve in a Dutch-speaking environment.

Using maatregel correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior and its natural collocations. As a 'de-woord' (common gender), it takes the article 'de'. The plural is 'maatregelen'. Because it is a noun representing an action, the verbs you choose to surround it with are crucial for sounding like a native speaker.

Taking Measures: The most standard verb is 'nemen'. Example: 'De directie neemt maatregelen.' (The board takes measures). A more formal and slightly more 'active' alternative is 'treffen'. Example: 'Wij hebben de nodige maatregelen getroffen.' (We have taken the necessary measures). Use 'treffen' when you want to sound particularly prepared or administrative.

Het is tijd om harde maatregelen te nemen tegen vandalisme.

Adjectives play a big role in describing the nature of the maatregel. Common adjectives include 'strenge' (strict), 'noodzakelijke' (necessary), 'tijdelijke' (temporary), and 'structurele' (structural). If you want to emphasize that a measure is a last resort, you call it a 'noodmaatregel'.

Implementing and Withdrawing: When a measure starts, you use 'invoeren' or 'introduceren'. Example: 'De nieuwe maatregel wordt volgende week ingevoerd.' When it ends, you use 'afschaffen' (abolish) or 'versoepelen' (relax/ease). Example: 'De overheid gaat de coronamaatregelen versoepelen.' This distinction is vital for discussing timelines.

Deze maatregel geldt voor iedereen die het gebouw betreedt.

In complex sentences, 'maatregel' often appears in the structure 'een maatregel om... te...' (a measure to [verb]). This allows you to specify the purpose clearly. For instance: 'Dit is een maatregel om de veiligheid te vergroten.' (This is a measure to increase safety). This 'om...te' construction is the bread and butter of B2-level Dutch proficiency.

Welke maatregelen zijn er nodig om het klimaat te redden?

Finally, pay attention to the word 'tegenmaatregel' (countermeasure). If someone takes an action against you or your interests, you might take a tegenmaatregel. This is common in political or competitive business contexts. Understanding these variations helps you navigate Dutch news and professional discussions with much more precision.

If you live in the Netherlands or Flanders, maatregel is unavoidable. It is a word that bridges the gap between the law and daily life. You will encounter it in three primary spheres: the news, the workplace, and public signage.

The News (Het Journaal): Every evening on the NOS Journaal or VRT NWS, politicians discuss 'maatregelen'. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the term 'coronamaatregelen' became a household word. Even now, you'll hear about 'steunmaatregelen' (support measures) for businesses or 'klimaatmaatregelen' to reach carbon targets. It is the language of governance.

De minister presenteerde een nieuw pakket aan maatregelen.

In the workplace, HR and management often use the word. If there is a budget cut, they will announce 'bezuinigingsmaatregelen'. If there's an update to the employee handbook, they might refer to them as 'interne maatregelen'. It sounds more formal and objective than 'veranderingen' (changes), suggesting that the changes were necessary and carefully planned.

Public Service Announcements: At train stations, you might hear about 'omleidingsmaatregelen' (diversion measures) due to track maintenance. In schools, parents receive emails about 'hygiënemaatregelen'. The word is used to give weight to instructions, signaling that these are not suggestions but requirements for the common good.

Vanwege de droogte gelden er strenge maatregelen voor het sproeien van de tuin.

You might also hear it in legal contexts. A judge can impose a 'vrijheidsbeperkende maatregel' (a measure restricting freedom). In this sense, it becomes a technical term for a specific type of legal intervention that isn't necessarily a 'straf' (punishment) but a way to manage behavior or safety. This nuance is vital for understanding the Dutch legal system.

De politie trof direct maatregelen om de menigte onder controle te houden.

Lastly, in daily conversation, people might use it slightly more loosely to describe their own plans. 'Ik moet maatregelen nemen om op tijd te komen' (I need to take steps to arrive on time). While a bit formal, it adds a touch of irony or seriousness to one's personal efforts. It shows that you are treating your own problem with the same systematic approach as a government department.

For English speakers, maatregel can be tricky because of its specific usage and its overlap with other words like 'measure', 'action', and 'rule'. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Dutch sound significantly more natural.

Measure vs. Measurement: In English, 'measure' can mean an action (a policy measure) or a dimension (the measure of a table). In Dutch, these are two different words. Use maatregel for the action/policy. Use maat or meting for the dimension. Never say 'Wat is de maatregel van deze kamer?' instead say 'Wat zijn de afmetingen van deze kamer?'.

Fout: De maatregel van de kast is twee meter. (Incorrect)
Goed: De afmeting van de kast is twee meter. (Correct)

Another common error is the choice of verb. English speakers often want to say 'do a measure' (een maatregel doen) or 'make a measure' (een maatregel maken). Both are incorrect. In Dutch, you 'take' (nemen) or 'strike/reach' (treffen) a measure. Using 'doen' or 'maken' is a dead giveaway that you are translating literally from English.

Pluralization: The plural is 'maatregelen'. Some learners forget the 'n' or try to use an 's' (maatregels). While Dutch has many 's' plurals, this is not one of them. Always use the 'en' ending. Also, remember that 'maatregelen' often appears without an article in general statements: 'Maatregelen zijn nodig' (Measures are necessary).

Fout: We hebben veel maatregels genomen. (Incorrect)
Goed: We hebben veel maatregelen genomen. (Correct)

Finally, watch out for 'regeling' vs. 'maatregel'. A 'regeling' is often a more permanent arrangement or a set of rules (like a 'pensioenregeling'). A 'maatregel' is often a more specific, targeted intervention. If you are talking about a specific action to fix a specific problem, stick with 'maatregel'.

Fout: De school heeft een nieuwe maatregel voor vakantiedagen. (Wait, if it's a permanent system, 'regeling' is better.)

In summary: 1. Don't use it for physical size. 2. Use 'nemen' or 'treffen'. 3. The plural is always 'maatregelen'. 4. Distinguish it from tools (middelen) and permanent systems (regelingen). Mastering these distinctions will elevate your Dutch to a truly professional level.

Dutch has several words that overlap with maatregel. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific nature of the action you are describing.

Stap (Step): 'Stap' is less formal than 'maatregel'. It suggests a progression in a process. While a 'maatregel' is an intervention to solve a problem, a 'stap' is just one part of a sequence. Example: 'De eerste stap naar succes.' (The first step to success). You wouldn't usually say 'de eerste maatregel naar succes' unless success is a problem you are trying to manage!
Ingreep (Intervention): An 'ingreep' is stronger than a 'maatregel'. It implies a direct, often forceful or medical, interference. A surgical operation is an 'ingreep'. In economics, if the central bank suddenly changes interest rates, it's an 'ingreep'. It suggests 'cutting into' a situation to change its course.

De chirurg voerde een kleine ingreep uit, terwijl de directie een maatregel nam om de kosten te drukken.

Another alternative is 'voorziening' (provision). This is often used for something provided by the state or an employer, like a 'parkeervoorziening' (parking facility) or 'sociale voorzieningen' (social provisions). It is less about 'fixing a problem' and more about 'providing a service or facility'.

Actie (Action): 'Actie' is the most general term. It can be anything from a protest (voeren van actie) to a sale in a shop (in de actie). It lacks the administrative and targeted problem-solving nuance of 'maatregel'. If you are writing a formal report, 'maatregel' is almost always the better choice than 'actie'.

We moeten nu in actie komen en concrete maatregelen voorstellen.

In summary, use 'maatregel' when you want to sound professional, official, and focused on solving a specific issue. Use 'stap' for general progress, 'ingreep' for forceful intervention, and 'regel' for general laws or guidelines. Knowing these synonyms allows you to vary your vocabulary and match the tone of your conversation perfectly.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word literally means 'measure-rule'. It reflects the Dutch cultural emphasis on precision and order in governance.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈmaːt.reː.ɣəl/

US /ˈmɑt.reɪ.ɡəl/

Stress is on the first syllable: MAAT-re-gel.

Rime avec

regel spiegel vleugel beugel tegel zegel kegel egel

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'g' as a hard English 'g' instead of the Dutch fricative.
Making the 'aa' too short like in 'cat'.
Confusing the 'ee' in 'regel' with a short 'e'.
Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.
Merging 'maat' and 'regel' without a clear transition.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Common in news and formal texts; easy to recognize once learned.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowledge of specific verbs like 'nemen' and 'treffen'.

Expression orale 4/5

The 'g' sound and the rhythm can be tricky for beginners.

Écoute 3/5

Frequently heard in news broadcasts.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

maat regel nemen overheid probleem

Apprends ensuite

wetgeving beleid handhaving uitvoering ingreep

Avancé

proportionaliteit subsidiariteit bestuursrecht sanctiebeleid

Grammaire à connaître

Separable Verbs with Maatregel

De overheid kondigt de maatregel aan.

Compound Nouns

Veiligheid + maatregel = veiligheidsmaatregel.

Pluralization with -en

Eén maatregel, twee maatregelen.

The use of 'om...te'

Een maatregel om water te besparen.

Adjective Inflection

Een strenge maatregel vs. De strenge maatregelen.

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Exemples par niveau

De school heeft een nieuwe maatregel.

The school has a new measure.

De-word, singular.

Is deze maatregel voor iedereen?

Is this measure for everyone?

Question form.

Ik begrijp de maatregel niet.

I don't understand the measure.

Negative sentence.

De maatregel is streng.

The measure is strict.

Adjective use.

Welke maatregel neem jij?

Which measure are you taking?

Interrogative pronoun.

Deze maatregel helpt de natuur.

This measure helps nature.

Subject-verb-object.

Er is één belangrijke maatregel.

There is one important measure.

Numeral use.

De maatregel begint morgen.

The measure starts tomorrow.

Present tense for future.

De stad neemt maatregelen tegen afval.

The city is taking measures against waste.

Plural noun.

We moeten deze maatregelen volgen.

We must follow these measures.

Modal verb 'moeten'.

Zijn er nieuwe maatregelen op het werk?

Are there new measures at work?

Prepositional phrase 'op het werk'.

De maatregel geldt voor alle auto's.

The measure applies to all cars.

Verb 'gelden voor'.

De directeur legt de maatregel uit.

The director explains the measure.

Separable verb 'uitleggen'.

Zonder maatregelen wordt het een chaos.

Without measures, it will be chaos.

Preposition 'zonder'.

Deze maatregel is tijdelijk.

This measure is temporary.

Predicate adjective.

Ik vind de maatregel een goed idee.

I think the measure is a good idea.

Opinion structure.

De overheid treft maatregelen om de economie te steunen.

The government is taking measures to support the economy.

Om...te construction.

Welke voorzorgsmaatregelen moeten we nemen?

What precautionary measures should we take?

Compound noun.

De maatregel werd gisteren officieel ingevoerd.

The measure was officially introduced yesterday.

Passive voice.

Er zijn strenge veiligheidsmaatregelen bij het vliegveld.

There are strict safety measures at the airport.

Compound noun with adjective.

De maatregel heeft veel invloed op ons leven.

The measure has a lot of influence on our lives.

Verb phrase 'invloed hebben op'.

De oppositie is tegen deze nieuwe maatregel.

The opposition is against this new measure.

Preposition 'tegen'.

We hebben deze maatregel gezamenlijk besloten.

We decided on this measure together.

Adverb 'gezamenlijk'.

Is de maatregel wel effectief genoeg?

Is the measure actually effective enough?

Adverb 'genoeg'.

De minister kondigde een pakket aan maatregelen aan.

The minister announced a package of measures.

Separable verb 'aankondigen'.

Deze maatregel dient ter bevordering van de volksgezondheid.

This measure serves to promote public health.

Formal phrase 'dient ter'.

Ondanks de maatregelen blijft de werkloosheid stijgen.

Despite the measures, unemployment continues to rise.

Conjunction 'ondanks'.

De directie overweegt drastische maatregelen te nemen.

The board is considering taking drastic measures.

Infinitive with 'te'.

Er is veel kritiek op de voorgestelde maatregel.

There is much criticism of the proposed measure.

Past participle as adjective.

De maatregel moet de uitstoot van CO2 beperken.

The measure must limit CO2 emissions.

Specific technical context.

Het versoepelen van de maatregelen brengt risico's met zich mee.

Easing the measures carries risks.

Gerund construction.

Deze maatregel is in strijd met de Europese regels.

This measure is in conflict with European rules.

Idiomatic phrase 'in strijd met'.

De maatregel sorteerde niet het gewenste effect.

The measure did not produce the desired effect.

Formal verb 'sorteren'.

Er is een structurele maatregel nodig om dit probleem op te lossen.

A structural measure is needed to solve this problem.

Adjective 'structurele'.

De maatregel is een direct gevolg van de recente crisis.

The measure is a direct result of the recent crisis.

Noun phrase 'gevolg van'.

Men pleit voor meer stringente maatregelen in de zorg.

People are calling for more stringent measures in healthcare.

Formal verb 'pleiten voor'.

De maatregel werd met een krappe meerderheid aangenomen.

The measure was passed with a slim majority.

Adjective 'krappe'.

De juridische houdbaarheid van de maatregel wordt betwist.

The legal sustainability of the measure is being contested.

Complex noun phrase.

Deze maatregel is slechts een doekje voor het bloeden.

This measure is merely a stopgap (bandage for the bleeding).

Idiomatic expression.

De maatregel beoogt een cultuuromslag binnen de organisatie.

The measure aims for a cultural shift within the organization.

Formal verb 'beoogd'.

De maatregel getuigt van een gebrek aan visie bij de beleidsmakers.

The measure testifies to a lack of vision among policymakers.

Formal verb 'getuigen van'.

De implementatie van de maatregel stuitte op felle maatschappelijke weerstand.

The implementation of the measure met with fierce social resistance.

Verb 'stuiten op'.

Men bevraagt de proportionaliteit van de genomen maatregelen.

People are questioning the proportionality of the measures taken.

Abstract noun 'proportionaliteit'.

De maatregel fungeert als een katalysator voor verdere hervormingen.

The measure acts as a catalyst for further reforms.

Metaphorical usage.

Deze ad-hocmaatregel biedt geen soelaas voor de lange termijn.

This ad-hoc measure offers no relief for the long term.

Latin prefix and idiom 'soelaas bieden'.

De maatregel is onlosmakelijk verbonden met de nieuwe wetgeving.

The measure is inextricably linked to the new legislation.

Adverb 'onlosmakelijk'.

De effectiviteit van de maatregel is onderhevig aan diverse variabelen.

The effectiveness of the measure is subject to various variables.

Phrase 'onderhevig aan'.

De maatregel werd in een vlaag van politiek opportunisme doorgedrukt.

The measure was pushed through in a fit of political opportunism.

Nuanced political critique.

Collocations courantes

maatregelen nemen

maatregelen treffen

strenge maatregelen

voorzorgsmaatregelen

veiligheidsmaatregelen

een pakket aan maatregelen

maatregelen versoepelen

maatregelen aanscherpen

effectieve maatregelen

noodmaatregel

Phrases Courantes

Maatregelen zijn van kracht.

— The measures are currently in effect and must be followed.

De nieuwe maatregelen zijn vanaf vandaag van kracht.

De maatregel is onvermijdelijk.

— The action must be taken; there is no other choice.

Gezien de crisis is deze maatregel onvermijdelijk.

Een maatregel invoeren.

— To start implementing a new rule or action officially.

De school gaat een nieuwe maatregel invoeren tegen pesten.

Een maatregel afschaffen.

— To officially stop a measure that was previously in place.

De belastingmaatregel werd na twee jaar afgeschaft.

Tegenmaatregelen nemen.

— To take actions in response to someone else's measures.

Het bedrijf nam tegenmaatregelen om de concurrentie voor te blijven.

Een drastische maatregel.

— An extreme or very strong action taken to solve a major problem.

Het sluiten van de fabriek was een drastische maatregel.

Maatregelen ter voorkoming van...

— Measures intended to prevent a specific negative outcome.

Maatregelen ter voorkoming van fraude zijn essentieel.

De reikwijdte van de maatregel.

— The extent or scope of who or what the measure affects.

De reikwijdte van de maatregel is nog niet duidelijk.

Maatregelen aankondigen.

— To officially inform the public that measures will be taken.

De burgemeester zal vanmiddag nieuwe maatregelen aankondigen.

Gezamenlijke maatregelen.

— Actions taken by multiple parties working together.

De landen kwamen tot gezamenlijke maatregelen tegen klimaatverandering.

Souvent confondu avec

maatregel vs maat

Maat means size or partner. Maatregel is the action.

maatregel vs regeling

Regeling is a permanent arrangement; maatregel is often a specific intervention.

maatregel vs middel

Middel is the tool (e.g., money); maatregel is the act of using it (e.g., giving a subsidy).

Expressions idiomatiques

"Halve maatregelen nemen"

— To take incomplete or weak actions that don't fully solve the problem.

We hebben niets aan halve maatregelen; we moeten het probleem bij de wortel aanpakken.

neutral

"Maatregelen van stal halen"

— To reuse old measures or strategies that have been used before.

De overheid haalt de oude bezuinigingsmaatregelen weer van stal.

informal

"De maat is vol"

— Enough is enough; the limit has been reached (related to 'maat').

De maat is vol, we moeten nu echt ingrijpen.

neutral

"Iemand de maat nemen"

— To judge someone or compare them to a certain standard.

Het is makkelijk om anderen de maat te nemen als je zelf geen verantwoordelijkheid draagt.

neutral

"Met twee maten meten"

— To use double standards.

De overheid meet met twee maten als het gaat om grote bedrijven versus burgers.

neutral

"Een doekje voor het bloeden"

— A measure that is only a small comfort and doesn't solve the real problem.

Die kleine subsidie is slechts een doekje voor het bloeden.

neutral

"De tering naar de nering zetten"

— To take measures to live within one's means (financial measure).

We moeten de tering naar de nering zetten nu het inkomen lager is.

old-fashioned

"Paal en perk stellen aan"

— To take measures to stop or limit something unwanted.

De politie wil paal en perk stellen aan de overlast.

neutral

"Korte metten maken met"

— To take quick, decisive measures to end something.

De nieuwe manager maakte korte metten met de inefficiëntie.

neutral

"Het heft in eigen handen nemen"

— To take measures yourself when others are not acting.

Omdat niemand hielp, nam zij het heft in eigen handen.

neutral

Facile à confondre

maatregel vs Meting

Both relate to 'measuring'.

Meting is the act of physical measurement; maatregel is a policy measure.

De meting van de temperatuur leidde tot een nieuwe maatregel.

maatregel vs Regel

Maatregel contains the word 'regel'.

A regel is a general rule; a maatregel is an action to enforce or respond.

De regel is: niet roken. De maatregel is: een boete.

maatregel vs Stap

Both mean 'step'.

Stap is informal and sequential; maatregel is formal and problem-solving.

De eerste stap is praten; de laatste maatregel is ontslag.

maatregel vs Actie

Both involve doing something.

Actie is broad and can be informal; maatregel is precise and administrative.

We voeren actie voor betere maatregelen.

maatregel vs Ingreep

Both are interventions.

Ingreep is more forceful or medical; maatregel is more administrative.

De chirurg deed een ingreep; de overheid nam een maatregel.

Structures de phrases

De [organisatie] neemt [adjectief] maatregelen.

De school neemt nieuwe maatregelen.

Er zijn maatregelen nodig om [doel] te [werkwoord].

Er zijn maatregelen nodig om het bos te beschermen.

De [persoon] heeft maatregelen getroffen tegen [probleem].

De minister heeft maatregelen getroffen tegen de crisis.

Ondanks de maatregelen [gevolg].

Ondanks de maatregelen bleef het regenen.

De reikwijdte van de maatregel beperkt zich tot [groep].

De reikwijdte van de maatregel beperkt zich tot studenten.

De maatregel beoogt een [resultaat].

De maatregel beoogt een betere samenwerking.

De effectiviteit van de maatregel staat ter discussie.

De effectiviteit van de maatregel staat ter discussie in de Kamer.

Men bevraagt de proportionaliteit van de maatregel.

Men bevraagt de proportionaliteit van de maatregel in relatie tot het doel.

Famille de mots

Noms

maatregel

tegenmaatregel

noodmaatregel

voorzorgsmaatregel

veiligheidsmaatregel

bezuinigingsmaatregel

Verbes

maatregelen nemen

maatregelen treffen

maatregelen invoeren

Adjectifs

maatregelend (rare)

ongemaatregeld (non-existent, use 'ongebreideld')

Apparenté

maat

regel

meting

regeling

reglement

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in news, medium-high in daily life.

Erreurs courantes

Een maatregel doen → Een maatregel nemen
You 'take' a measure in Dutch, you don't 'do' it.
De maatregel van de tafel → De afmeting van de tafel
'Maatregel' is an action, not a physical dimension.
Veel maatregels → Veel maatregelen
The plural must end in -en, not -s.
Een maatregel maken → Een maatregel treffen
While 'maken' is sometimes understood, 'treffen' or 'nemen' are the correct collocations.
De maatregel is voor de natuur te helpen. → De maatregel is om de natuur te helpen.
Purpose is expressed with 'om...te', not just 'voor'.

Astuces

Pluralization

Always use 'maatregelen'. It is one of the most common plural nouns in Dutch news. Don't forget the 'n'.

Compound Power

Dutch loves compounds. Add a noun before 'maatregel' to be specific: 'veiligheid', 'steun', 'bezuiniging'.

The 'G' Sound

The 'g' in 'regel' is soft but distinct. Practice saying 'ree-ghul' with a slight rasp in the throat.

News Watching

Watch the 'NOS Journaal'. You will hear 'maatregel' within the first 10 minutes almost every day.

Formal Tone

If you want to sound professional in an email, use 'We zullen de nodige maatregelen treffen' instead of 'We gaan er iets aan doen'.

Problem-Solution

Think of 'maatregel' as the bridge between a problem and its solution.

Policy Talk

The Dutch love discussing policy. Knowing this word allows you to join in on 'borrel' (social drink) debates.

Avoid Repetition

In a long text, alternate between 'maatregel', 'stap', and 'besluit' to keep it interesting.

Active Verbs

Pair it with 'invoeren' (introduce) or 'afschaffen' (abolish) to describe the lifecycle of a rule.

The Ruler

Visualize a ruler (maat) creating a line (regel) of defense.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'MAAT' (mate/friend) who follows every 'REGEL' (rule). A 'maatregel' is the rule your mate takes to fix a problem.

Association visuelle

Imagine a ruler (maat) lying on top of a book of laws (regel). This ruler is used to 'measure' out a solution.

Word Web

overheid politiek veiligheid nemen straf wet crisis plan

Défi

Try to write three sentences about how your workplace or school could improve using the word 'maatregel'.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Middle Dutch 'materegel', which combined 'mate' (measure/proportion) and 'regel' (rule/line).

Sens originel : Originally referred to a rule used for measuring or a standard to which things should conform.

Germanic (Dutch/German). Cognate with German 'Maßregel'.

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using it in a personal context, as it can sound overly authoritative or 'bossy'.

In English, we often use 'steps' or 'actions' in informal settings, whereas Dutch speakers are more likely to use 'maatregelen' even in semi-formal contexts.

The 'Coronamaatregelen' press conferences by Mark Rutte. The 'Deltawerken' (Delta Works) as a collection of hydraulic maatregelen. The 'Bezuinigingsmaatregelen' of the 1980s.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Politics

De regering neemt maatregelen.
Nieuwe wetgeving en maatregelen.
Een pakket aan maatregelen.
Politieke maatregelen.

Workplace

Veiligheidsmaatregelen op de werkvloer.
Maatregelen tegen stress.
Interne maatregelen.
Nieuwe HR-maatregelen.

Environment

Klimaatmaatregelen.
Maatregelen tegen wateroverlast.
Duurzame maatregelen.
Milieumaatregelen.

Health

Voorzorgsmaatregelen nemen.
Hygiënemaatregelen.
Medische maatregelen.
Quarantainemaatregelen.

Law

Juridische maatregelen.
Strafrechtelijke maatregel.
Een maatregel opleggen.
Handhavingsmaatregelen.

Amorces de conversation

"Wat vind jij van de nieuwe maatregelen van de overheid?"

"Welke maatregel zou jij nemen om het verkeer in de stad te verbeteren?"

"Denk je dat deze maatregelen effectief zullen zijn op de lange termijn?"

"Zijn er op jouw werk speciale veiligheidsmaatregelen waar je je aan moet houden?"

"Welke maatregel heeft de meeste impact gehad op jouw dagelijks leven?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschrijf een situatie waarin je zelf maatregelen moest nemen om een probleem op te lossen.

Schrijf een betoog over waarom bepaalde klimaatmaatregelen wel of niet goed werken.

Reflecteer op de coronamaatregelen: wat heb je ervan geleerd?

Als jij de baas van je land was, welke drie maatregelen zou je direct invoeren?

Hoe ga jij om met maatregelen die je onrechtvaardig vindt?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is a 'de-word'. You say 'de maatregel' and 'deze maatregel'.

The plural is 'maatregelen'. You add '-en' to the end.

No, for clothes you use 'maat'. For example: 'Welke maat heb je?'

Both are good. 'Nemen' is common and natural. 'Treffen' is more formal and used in official reports.

It means 'precautionary measure'—something you do beforehand to prevent a problem.

Yes, it is standard Dutch used in both the Netherlands and Flanders.

Yes, in a legal context, a 'maatregel' can be an alternative to or addition to a 'straf' (punishment).

You say 'maatregelen versoepelen'.

Yes, in Dutch, we combine nouns. 'Coronamaatregel' or 'coronamaatregelen'.

An emergency measure taken quickly to deal with an urgent crisis.

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