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toereikend

B1 adjective 13 min read

toereikend

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips toereikend in 30 Seconds

Explanation toereikend in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn the word 'genoeg' to say 'enough'. 'Toereikend' is much too difficult for beginners. However, you can think of it as a very fancy way of saying 'enough'. If you have five apples and you need five apples for a pie, your apples are 'toereikend'. But at this level, please just use 'genoeg'. You might see this word on a very official sign or in a letter from the government, but you don't need to use it yourself yet. Just remember that if you see a long word starting with 'toe-' and ending in '-end', it might be a formal way of describing a quantity.

At the A2 level, you are starting to see more formal Dutch. You might encounter 'toereikend' in simple news articles or formal emails. It is an adjective that means 'sufficient'. For example, if you are talking about money for a trip, you could say: 'Is het geld toereikend?' (Is the money enough?). It is good to recognize this word, but you will still mostly use 'voldoende' or 'genoeg'. The most important thing to know at A2 is that 'toereikend' is used for things you can count or measure, like money, time, or space. It is not used for feelings or opinions.

At the B1 level, you should start using 'toereikend' in your formal writing and speaking. This is the level where you move beyond basic communication. When you write a letter of complaint or a business proposal, using 'toereikend' instead of 'genoeg' makes you sound more professional. You should also learn the negative form: 'ontoereikend' (insufficient). You will often hear this in discussions about social issues, such as 'ontoereikende huisvesting' (insufficient housing). At B1, you should be able to use it in a sentence like: 'De tijd was niet toereikend om alle vragen te beantwoorden.'

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'toereikend' and its nuances compared to 'voldoende' and 'adequaat'. You should use it naturally when discussing complex topics like economics, law, or science. You should also be familiar with common collocations like 'toereikende onderbouwing' or 'ruimschoots toereikend'. At this level, you understand that 'toereikend' is about meeting a specific threshold or requirement. You can use it to describe whether evidence is strong enough or if a plan has enough resources. You also know how to decline the adjective correctly (toereikend vs toereikende).

At the C1 level, 'toereikend' is a standard part of your vocabulary. You use it to add precision to your arguments. You can distinguish between a solution that is 'toereikend' (it meets the needs) and one that is 'afdoende' (it solves the problem completely). You are comfortable using it in high-level academic or legal writing. You also recognize its use in subtle rhetorical contexts, such as when a politician says a measure is 'toereikend' to avoid promising more. You understand the stylistic weight the word carries and can use it to maintain a consistent formal register throughout a long text or presentation.

At the C2 level, you use 'toereikend' with the ease of a native speaker, including in its most abstract and metaphorical applications. You are aware of its etymological roots in the verb 'reiken' and how that influences its usage in specific literary or philosophical contexts. You can play with the word's formality and use it ironically or for specific emphasis. You understand perfectly how 'toereikend' interacts with other high-level vocabulary to create a precise, professional, and authoritative tone. You also know rare variations and can identify when the word is being used slightly out of context for effect.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

toereikend in 30 Seconds

Toereikend is a formal Dutch adjective meaning 'sufficient' or 'adequate', typically used in professional or administrative contexts.
It comes from the root 'reiken' (to reach), implying that something reaches the necessary standard or amount.
Commonly paired with abstract nouns like budget, evidence, and resources, it is more formal than the everyday word 'genoeg'.
The negative form 'ontoereikend' is frequently used in news and formal reports to describe deficiencies or lack of resources.

The Dutch word toereikend is a sophisticated adjective that English speakers primarily translate as 'sufficient', 'adequate', or 'enough'. While the word 'genoeg' is the most common way to say 'enough' in everyday Dutch, toereikend carries a more formal, precise, and often administrative or academic tone. It originates from the verb 'reiken', which means 'to reach'. When something is toereikend, it literally 'reaches' the required standard or amount needed to fulfill a specific purpose. It is a word you will frequently encounter in professional reports, legal documents, and news broadcasts regarding budgets, evidence, or resources. Understanding this word is crucial for moving from intermediate (B1) to advanced (B2/C1) Dutch, as it allows you to express the concept of 'adequacy' with more nuance than the simple 'genoeg'.

Register: Formal to Semi-Formal. Used in professional, legal, and academic contexts.
Literal Meaning: Reaching toward the goal; sufficient to cover the need.

In a practical sense, you use toereikend when you are assessing whether a resource is capable of meeting a demand. For instance, if a government is discussing whether there is enough money for a new bridge, they won't just ask if there is 'enough money'; they will ask if the 'budget is toereikend'. This implies a formal assessment against a set of requirements. It is also used in the negative form, ontoereikend, which is perhaps even more common in news headlines when describing 'insufficient' measures or 'inadequate' funding. By using this word, you signal to your listener that you are thinking about the relationship between what is available and what is required.

De huidige maatregelen zijn helaas niet toereikend om de klimaatdoelen te halen.

Beyond financial contexts, toereikend is used in legal settings. A lawyer might argue that the evidence provided is not 'toereikend' to prove a crime. Here, it doesn't just mean there isn't 'much' evidence, but rather that the evidence provided does not reach the legal threshold required for a conviction. Similarly, in education, a student's knowledge might be deemed 'toereikend' for a passing grade, though 'voldoende' is the more standard term used in Dutch grading systems. The word invites a comparison between a current state and a necessary threshold.

Is de informatie in dit rapport toereikend voor een besluit?

When learning this word, it is helpful to compare it to its synonyms. 'Genoeg' is your all-purpose 'enough'. 'Voldoende' is 'sufficient' or 'satisfactory' and is very common in schools and work. 'Adequaat' is 'adequate' and often refers to the quality of a response. Toereikend specifically focuses on the quantity or scope being 'enough to cover' the need. It feels more objective and less personal than 'genoeg'. You wouldn't usually say 'Ik heb toereikend gegeten' (I have eaten sufficiently) at a dinner party; that would sound incredibly stiff and robotic. Instead, you would use it when discussing resources, time, or evidence.

Het aantal parkeerplaatsen is niet toereikend voor alle bezoekers.

In summary, toereikend is a word that describes a state of 'being enough' in a formal or quantified way. It asks the question: Does this reach the requirement? If you are writing a business email, a formal essay, or analyzing a problem, toereikend is the professional choice to describe something that meets the necessary criteria. It adds a layer of precision to your Dutch that shows you understand the nuances of formal communication.

Using toereikend correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective and its specific placement within Dutch sentence structure. Because it is an adjective, it can be used both predicatively (after a verb like 'zijn' or 'blijken') and attributively (before a noun). However, in modern Dutch, it is most frequently used predicatively to describe a situation or a resource. For example, 'De middelen zijn toereikend' (The means are sufficient). When used attributively, it must follow the standard rules for adjective declension, becoming 'toereikende' before most nouns: 'een toereikende oplossing' (a sufficient solution).

Common Structure 1: [Subject] + zijn/blijken + toereikend.
Common Structure 2: Een toereikende + [Noun].

One of the most important aspects of using toereikend is knowing which nouns it commonly modifies. It is almost always paired with abstract nouns related to capacity, finance, or logic. You will see it with words like 'budget' (budget), 'middelen' (means/resources), 'bewijs' (evidence), 'verklaring' (explanation), and 'voorraad' (stock/supply). It is rarely used with concrete, everyday objects. You wouldn't say 'een toereikende appel' to mean a big enough apple; you would simply say 'een grote genoeg appel'. Using toereikend with mundane objects sounds like a category error in Dutch.

Is het budget toereikend voor de geplande verbouwing?

Negation is another vital area. In Dutch, to say something is 'insufficient', you can use 'niet toereikend' or the prefix-derived word ontoereikend. 'Ontoereikend' is a very strong, formal word. If a doctor says your 'ijzergehalte' (iron level) is 'ontoereikend', it sounds more serious and clinical than saying it is 'niet genoeg'. When building sentences, consider the impact of using the single word 'ontoereikend' versus the phrase 'niet toereikend'. 'Niet toereikend' often implies a simple failure to meet a quota, whereas 'ontoereikend' can sound like a structural deficiency.

Zonder toereikende financiering kan het project niet doorgaan.

To use the word in a more complex sentence, you might pair it with a 'om te' construction. For example: 'De middelen zijn toereikend om de schade te herstellen' (The means are sufficient to repair the damage). This is a standard B1/B2 sentence pattern. It allows you to specify exactly what the resources are sufficient for. Another common pattern is using 'ruimschoots toereikend' (amply sufficient) to emphasize that there is more than enough. This is a great way to add descriptive power to your sentences without using simple adverbs like 'heel'.

De bewijslast was niet toereikend voor een veroordeling.

Finally, pay attention to the verbs that often accompany toereikend. While 'zijn' is the most common, 'blijken' (to turn out to be), 'achten' (to consider), and 'vinden' (to find/think) are also frequent. 'De rechter achtte het bewijs niet toereikend' (The judge considered the evidence not sufficient). This structure is very common in news reports. By mastering these patterns, you can move away from basic 'is het genoeg?' questions and start participating in more professional Dutch dialogues.

You are most likely to hear toereikend in environments where precision and formality are valued. If you watch the Dutch evening news, NOS Journaal, or listen to political debates in the Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives), you will hear it constantly. Politicians use it to discuss whether the budget for healthcare, education, or the military is 'toereikend'. It is a safe, professional word that avoids the emotional weight of 'te weinig' (too little) while still pointing out a deficiency. It is the language of policy and planning.

Context: News: 'De opvangcapaciteit voor vluchtelingen is niet langer toereikend.'
Context: Business: 'We moeten bepalen of de huidige voorraad toereikend is voor de kerstperiode.'

Another place you will frequently encounter toereikend is in the world of insurance and law. If you are reading the fine print of an insurance policy in the Netherlands, it might mention 'toereikende dekking' (sufficient coverage). This means that the insurance will cover the costs up to a certain necessary point. In legal proceedings, a 'toereikende onderbouwing' (sufficient substantiation) is required for any claim. If you ever have to deal with Dutch bureaucracy, such as applying for a visa or a permit, the officials might tell you that your documentation is not 'toereikend'. In this context, it means you haven't met the checklist of requirements.

Heeft u wel toereikende papieren voor deze aanvraag?

In the medical field, doctors and researchers use toereikend to describe dosages or nutritional levels. A medical report might state that a patient's vitamin D levels are 'niet toereikend'. It sounds more clinical and objective than saying they are 'te laag' (too low). It suggests a comparison against a scientific baseline. Similarly, in science and engineering, you might hear about 'toereikende koeling' (sufficient cooling) for a machine or 'toereikende veiligheidsmarges' (sufficient safety margins). It is the word of choice for anyone who needs to be exact about whether a threshold has been reached.

De ventilatie in dit gebouw is niet toereikend volgens de nieuwe normen.

Finally, you might hear it in higher education. A professor might comment on a student's thesis, saying that the literature review is 'niet toereikend'. This isn't just an insult; it's a specific critique meaning that the student hasn't reached the academic standard required for that specific assignment. In all these cases—politics, law, medicine, and academia—the word toereikend serves as a formal bridge between 'what we have' and 'what we need'. If you start using it in these contexts, you will sound much more like a native speaker who is comfortable in professional environments.

Is de voorbereiding toereikend voor het examen van morgen?

While you won't hear it much at a bar or a football match, its presence in the 'serious' parts of Dutch life is inescapable. It is one of those 'grown-up' words that signifies you have moved beyond the basics of the language. When you hear it, listen for the noun it is describing; it will almost always be something that can be measured, counted, or evaluated against a rule.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make with toereikend is using it in informal settings where 'genoeg' or 'voldoende' would be much more natural. For example, if a friend offers you more coffee and you say 'Dat is toereikend', you will sound like a 19th-century butler or a robot. In casual conversation, 'genoeg' is almost always the better choice. Toereikend is reserved for situations that involve a standard or a requirement. Using it for personal preferences (like how much sugar you want in your tea) is a stylistic error.

Mistake: Using 'toereikend' for personal physical sensations (e.g., 'Ik ben toereikend warm').
Correction: Use 'warm genoeg' or 'voldoende warm'.

Another mistake is confusing toereikend with voldoende. While they are often interchangeable, 'voldoende' has a broader range of use. In the Dutch school system, a 'voldoende' is a passing grade (usually a 6 out of 10). You would never say you got a 'toereikend' for your math test. 'Voldoende' implies 'satisfactory', whereas toereikend implies 'sufficient to cover the need'. The difference is subtle but important in academic and professional contexts. If you are describing a grade, always use 'voldoende'. If you are describing whether a budget covers a project, both work, but toereikend sounds more professional.

Fout: Ik heb een toereikend gehaald voor mijn examen. (Correct: een voldoende)

A grammatical mistake learners often make is forgetting the '-e' when using the word attributively. Because toereikend is a longer, more complex-sounding word, learners sometimes treat it like an indeclinable foreign word. However, it is a standard Dutch adjective. You must say 'een toereikende oplossing' (a sufficient solution) because 'oplossing' is a 'de'-word. Conversely, you say 'een toereikend budget' (a sufficient budget) because 'budget' is a 'het'-word and the article is indefinite ('een'). Mastering these endings is key to sounding fluent.

Finally, there is the issue of 'toereikend' versus 'adequaat'. While 'adequaat' also means 'adequate', it often refers to the quality of an action or response. If someone handles a crisis well, you say they acted 'adequaat'. If you say they acted 'toereikend', it sounds like they did the bare minimum to not fail. Toereikend is more about quantity and scope, while 'adequaat' is more about suitability and skill. Mixing these up can change the tone of your feedback from praise to a neutral observation of meeting a threshold.

Zijn de veiligheidsmaatregelen wel toereikend voor dit evenement?

To avoid these mistakes, always ask yourself: 'Am I talking about a formal requirement or a personal feeling?' and 'Am I talking about a quantity or a quality?' If it's a formal requirement and a quantity/scope, toereikend is your best friend. If it's anything else, you might want to stick with 'genoeg', 'voldoende', or 'adequaat'.

To truly master toereikend, you need to know its neighbors in the Dutch language. The most common alternative is voldoende. As mentioned, 'voldoende' is the standard word for 'sufficient' and is used in almost every context, from school grades to food to money. It is slightly less formal than toereikend. If you are unsure, 'voldoende' is usually the safer bet, but toereikend will make you sound more professional in written Dutch.

Genoeg: The everyday word for 'enough'. Use this for coffee, time with friends, and simple quantities.
Voldoende: Sufficient/Satisfactory. The standard word for passing grades and general adequacy.
Adequaat: Adequate. Often used for responses, actions, or solutions that are 'fit for purpose'.

Another interesting comparison is with afdoende. This word means 'sufficient' but with the added nuance of 'conclusive' or 'final'. If a solution is 'afdoende', it means the problem is solved and won't come back. Toereikend just means there is enough of it. For example, 'een afdoende antwoord' is an answer that settles the matter once and for all, while 'een toereikend antwoord' is just an answer that meets the minimum requirements of the question.

Is de huidige wetgeving toereikend om dit probleem op te lossen?

For more poetic or archaic contexts, you might see genoegzaam. This is very rare in modern spoken Dutch and is mostly found in older literature or very specific legal phrases. It also means 'sufficient'. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have sluitend, which is often used for budgets or arguments. A 'sluitende begroting' is a balanced budget where the income and expenses match perfectly. While toereikend means there is enough money, 'sluitend' means the math adds up perfectly.

De voorraad is ruimschoots toereikend voor de komende maanden.

When you want to say something is 'more than enough', you can use ruimschoots toereikend or simply overvloedig (abundant). If you want to say it is 'barely enough', you could use nauwkeurig toereikend, though this is less common. Usually, people just say 'net genoeg'. Understanding these alternatives helps you choose the exact 'temperature' of the word you need for your specific situation. Whether you need the simplicity of 'genoeg' or the professional weight of toereikend, having these options makes your Dutch much more flexible.

In summary, while toereikend is a specific tool for formal 'sufficiency', knowing when to use its cousins like 'voldoende', 'afdoende', and 'adequaat' will allow you to navigate Dutch professional life with confidence. Each word has its own 'reach', and toereikend is the one that reaches the formal mark of adequacy.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root 'reiken' is cognate with the English word 'reach'. So 'toereikend' is etymologically a 'reaching-to' something.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tuˈrɛikənt/

US /tuˈreɪkənt/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: toe-REI-kend.

Rhymes With

reikend reikend vleiend draaiend waaiend groeiend bloeiend boeiend

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'oe' like the English 'oe' in 'toe' (it should be 'oo' as in 'food').
Pronouncing the 'ei' like 'ee' (it should be a diphthong).
Forgetting the final 't' sound (Dutch 'd' at the end of a word is pronounced as 't').
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing 'reik' like English 'rake' (the vowel is different).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in newspapers and formal documents, easy to recognize once learned.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of register to use correctly without sounding stiff.

Speaking 4/5

Hard to remember to use instead of 'genoeg' in formal situations.

Listening 3/5

Clearly pronounced, but can be missed if the listener only knows 'genoeg'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

genoeg voldoende reiken budget middelen

Learn Next

ontoereikend adequaat afdoende onderbouwing waarborgen

Advanced

congruent commensurabel opportuun valide legitiem

Grammar to Know

Adjective Declension

Een toereikend budget (het-word, indefinite) vs. De toereikende middelen (plural).

Negation with 'niet'

Het is niet toereikend.

Prefix 'on-'

Het is ontoereikend (more formal than 'niet toereikend').

Word order in sub-clauses

Ik denk dat het budget niet toereikend is.

Comparative and Superlative

Toereikender, meest toereikend (rarely used, but grammatically possible).

Examples by Level

Is dit genoeg? Ja, het is toereikend.

Is this enough? Yes, it is sufficient.

Simple predicative use after 'is'.

Ik heb toereikend geld voor de bus.

I have sufficient money for the bus.

Attributive use with a 'het'-word (geld), so no -e suffix.

De soep is toereikend voor iedereen.

The soup is sufficient for everyone.

Used with 'is' to describe a quantity.

Is de tijd toereikend voor de toets?

Is the time sufficient for the test?

Question form.

Wij hebben toereikende middelen.

We have sufficient means.

Attributive use with plural 'middelen', so it gets an -e.

Het eten was niet toereikend.

The food was not sufficient.

Negation with 'niet'.

Is één kopje koffie toereikend?

Is one cup of coffee sufficient?

Using a number with the noun.

De ruimte is toereikend voor de kast.

The space is sufficient for the cupboard.

Describing physical capacity.

De parkeerplaats is niet toereikend voor alle auto's.

The parking lot is not sufficient for all the cars.

Standard negative sentence.

Is het budget toereikend voor de vakantie?

Is the budget sufficient for the holiday?

Common use with 'budget'.

De informatie in de folder is toereikend.

The information in the brochure is sufficient.

Describing abstract nouns (informatie).

Heeft u toereikende papieren voor de aanvraag?

Do you have sufficient papers for the application?

Attributive use with plural noun.

De verlichting in de kamer is niet toereikend.

The lighting in the room is not sufficient.

Describing environmental conditions.

Is de voorraad melk toereikend voor vandaag?

Is the milk supply sufficient for today?

Compound noun 'voorraad melk'.

De hulp van de buren was toereikend.

The help from the neighbors was sufficient.

Describing support/help.

Zijn deze schoenen toereikend voor de wandeling?

Are these shoes sufficient for the walk?

Plural subject with plural verb.

De huidige maatregelen zijn niet toereikend om het probleem op te lossen.

The current measures are not sufficient to solve the problem.

Using 'om... te' to show purpose.

Zonder toereikende financiering kan het project niet starten.

Without sufficient funding, the project cannot start.

Prepositional phrase 'Zonder...'

De politie vond de bewijslast niet toereikend.

The police did not find the evidence sufficient.

Using 'vinden' as the verb.

Is uw kennis van de taal toereikend voor deze baan?

Is your knowledge of the language sufficient for this job?

Abstract noun 'kennis'.

De opvang voor daklozen bleek niet toereikend tijdens de kou.

The shelter for the homeless turned out to be insufficient during the cold.

Using 'blijken' (to turn out to be).

Heeft u een toereikende verzekering voor uw reis?

Do you have sufficient insurance for your trip?

Attributive use with 'de'-word (verzekering).

De uitleg van de leraar was ruimschoots toereikend.

The teacher's explanation was more than sufficient.

Adverb 'ruimschoots' for emphasis.

Is de capaciteit van de batterij toereikend voor de hele dag?

Is the battery capacity sufficient for the whole day?

Technical context.

De minister gaf aan dat de budgetten voor de zorg toereikend zijn.

The minister indicated that the budgets for healthcare are sufficient.

Indirect speech.

Er is een toereikende onderbouwing nodig voor dit wetenschappelijk artikel.

A sufficient substantiation is needed for this scientific article.

Academic vocabulary (onderbouwing).

De veiligheidsprocedures bleken achteraf niet toereikend.

The safety procedures turned out to be insufficient in hindsight.

Use of 'achteraf' (in hindsight).

Zijn de huidige wetten toereikend om cybercriminaliteit aan te pakken?

Are the current laws sufficient to tackle cybercrime?

Legal context.

Men vraagt zich af of de middelen toereikend zijn voor de klimaatdoelen.

People wonder if the means are sufficient for the climate goals.

Passive-like construction 'Men vraagt zich af'.

De motivatie van de student was toereikend om de cursus te voltooien.

The student's motivation was sufficient to complete the course.

Psychological context.

Een toereikende ventilatie is essentieel in laboratoria.

Sufficient ventilation is essential in laboratories.

Scientific context.

De bewijsvoering was allesbehalve toereikend.

The reasoning/evidence was anything but sufficient.

Using 'allesbehalve' (anything but).

De juridische argumentatie bleek bij nader inzien niet toereikend.

The legal argumentation turned out not to be sufficient upon closer inspection.

Phrase 'bij nader inzien' (upon closer inspection).

Het is de vraag of de geboden excuses toereikend zijn voor het aangedane leed.

It is questionable whether the offered apologies are sufficient for the suffering caused.

Complex abstract subject.

Ondanks de inspanningen bleef de hulpverlening ontoereikend.

Despite the efforts, the aid remained insufficient.

Use of the prefix 'on-' (ontoereikend).

Een toereikende pensioenvoorziening is een punt van grote maatschappelijke zorg.

A sufficient pension provision is a point of great social concern.

Complex noun phrase.

De bestaande infrastructuur is niet toereikend voor de toekomstige bevolkingsgroei.

The existing infrastructure is not sufficient for future population growth.

Sociological context.

Zijn de waarborgen voor privacy toereikend in dit nieuwe systeem?

Are the safeguards for privacy sufficient in this new system?

Abstract term 'waarborgen' (safeguards).

De intellectuele uitdaging was voor hem niet toereikend.

The intellectual challenge was not sufficient for him.

Describing an abstract experience.

Men dient te beschikken over toereikende professionele vaardigheden.

One must possess sufficient professional skills.

Formal verb 'beschikken over'.

De causale verbanden in het proefschrift waren niet toereikend onderbouwd.

The causal links in the dissertation were not sufficiently substantiated.

Adverbial use (toereikend onderbouwd).

In hoeverre is een puur materialistische visie toereikend om het menselijk bewustzijn te verklaren?

To what extent is a purely materialistic view sufficient to explain human consciousness?

Philosophical inquiry.

De geboden compensatie werd door de gedupeerden als volstrekt ontoereikend ervaren.

The offered compensation was experienced by the victims as completely insufficient.

Passive voice with 'worden... ervaren'.

Een toereikend begrippenkader is onontbeerlijk voor een diepgaande analyse.

A sufficient conceptual framework is indispensable for an in-depth analysis.

Advanced academic term 'begrippenkader'.

De bewijslast in deze complexe fraudezaak bleek uiteindelijk niet toereikend.

The burden of proof in this complex fraud case ultimately turned out to be insufficient.

Legal term 'bewijslast'.

Is de huidige begroting wel toereikend om de structurele tekorten op te vangen?

Is the current budget really sufficient to absorb the structural deficits?

Economic terminology.

Het loutere feit dat er instemming is, is niet altijd toereikend voor een morele rechtvaardiging.

The mere fact that there is consent is not always sufficient for a moral justification.

Moral philosophy context.

De reikwijdte van de nieuwe wet is volgens critici niet toereikend.

The scope of the new law is not sufficient according to critics.

Noun 'reikwijdte' (scope/reach).

Common Collocations

toereikend budget

toereikende middelen

toereikend bewijs

ruimschoots toereikend

toereikende verklaring

toereikende dekking

toereikende onderbouwing

niet toereikend zijn

toereikende maatregelen

toereikende capaciteit

Common Phrases

Is het toereikend?

— A formal way to ask if something is enough. Used in meetings or professional settings.

U heeft de cijfers gezien. Is het budget toereikend?

Niet toereikend geacht

— Considered not sufficient. Very common in legal or administrative rulings.

Het bewijs werd door de rechter niet toereikend geacht.

Bij verre niet toereikend

— Not sufficient by a long shot. Used for emphasis.

Deze kleine donatie is bij verre niet toereikend.

Een toereikend antwoord

— An answer that fully addresses the question or concern.

Ik wacht nog steeds op een toereikend antwoord van de klantenservice.

Toereikende kennis van

— Having enough knowledge of a specific subject.

Hij heeft een toereikende kennis van de Nederlandse grammatica.

Toereikende reden

— A sufficient reason or justification for an action.

Is er een toereikende reden voor uw afwezigheid?

Toereikende zorg

— Adequate care, often used in medical or social work contexts.

Iedere burger heeft recht op toereikende zorg.

Toereikende beveiliging

— Sufficient security or protection.

Het gebouw heeft geen toereikende beveiliging tegen inbraak.

Toereikende motivatie

— Enough motivation to achieve a goal.

Zonder toereikende motivatie zul je niet slagen.

Toereikende voorraad

— A sufficient stock or supply of goods.

We moeten zorgen voor een toereikende voorraad voor de winter.

Often Confused With

toereikend vs voldoende

Interchangeable but 'voldoende' is more common and used for grades.

toereikend vs toegankelijk

Sounds similar but means 'accessible'.

toereikend vs adequaat

Refers more to quality/suitability than quantity.

Idioms & Expressions

"De maat is vol"

— Not using 'toereikend', but related to the concept of 'enough'. It means 'enough is enough'.

De maat is vol, ik ga nu weg!

Informal

"De eindjes aan elkaar knopen"

— To make ends meet. Used when resources are barely toereikend.

Het is lastig om de eindjes aan elkaar te knopen met dit salaris.

Neutral

"Water bij de wijn doen"

— To compromise. Often done when resources are not toereikend for the original plan.

We moesten water bij de wijn doen om het project te redden.

Neutral

"Op een houtje bijten"

— To have very little to eat. When food is not toereikend.

Vroeger moesten ze vaak op een houtje bijten.

Informal

"Boven de pet gaan"

— To be beyond one's understanding. When intellectual resources are not toereikend.

Deze wiskunde gaat mij boven de pet.

Informal

"De tering naar de nering zetten"

— To live within one's means. Ensuring expenses are toereikend for the income.

Je moet de tering naar de nering zetten als je minder gaat verdienen.

Neutral/Old-fashioned

"Het hoofd boven water houden"

— To survive financially. Keeping resources just toereikend.

Het bedrijf probeert het hoofd boven water te houden.

Neutral

"Geen droog brood verdienen"

— To earn almost nothing. When income is not toereikend for basic needs.

Met dat werk verdien je geen droog brood.

Informal

"Geld over de balk smijten"

— To waste money. The opposite of managing toereikend resources.

Hij smijt zijn geld over de balk.

Informal

"In de slappe was zitten"

— To be wealthy. Having more than toereikend resources.

Sinds hij die prijs won, zit hij in de slappe was.

Informal

Easily Confused

toereikend vs genoeg

Both mean 'enough'.

'Genoeg' is informal/neutral; 'toereikend' is formal and implies meeting a standard.

Ik heb genoeg koffie. vs. Het budget is toereikend.

toereikend vs voldoende

Very close synonyms.

'Voldoende' is the standard word; 'toereikend' is more formal and specific to 'reaching' a mark.

Een voldoende cijfer. vs. Een toereikend bewijs.

toereikend vs afdoende

Both relate to sufficiency.

'Afdoende' means it's sufficient AND it ends the problem. 'Toereikend' just means there's enough.

Een afdoende oplossing. vs. Een toereikende voorraad.

toereikend vs passend

Often used in similar contexts.

'Passend' means 'fitting' or 'appropriate'. Something can be toereikend but not passend.

Een passend cadeau. vs. Een toereikend bedrag.

toereikend vs behoorlijk

Can imply sufficiency.

'Behoorlijk' means 'decent' or 'quite a lot'. It's more subjective than 'toereikend'.

Een behoorlijk bedrag. vs. Een toereikend budget.

Sentence Patterns

De [zelfstandig naamwoord] is [toereikend] voor [doel].

De tijd is toereikend voor de toets.

Is het [budget] [toereikend]?

Is het budget toereikend?

Zonder [toereikende] [middelen] kunnen we niet [werkwoord].

Zonder toereikende middelen kunnen we niet bouwen.

Het [bewijs] werd niet [toereikend] geacht.

Het bewijs werd niet toereikend geacht.

De [onderbouwing] bleek [ontoereikend] te zijn.

De onderbouwing bleek ontoereikend te zijn.

Er is sprake van een [ruimschoots] [toereikende] [voorraad].

Er is sprake van een ruimschoots toereikende voorraad.

In hoeverre acht u de [waarborgen] [toereikend]?

In hoeverre acht u de waarborgen toereikend?

Het [begrippenkader] is niet [toereikend] voor deze [analyse].

Het begrippenkader is niet toereikend voor deze analyse.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional/written Dutch; rare in casual spoken Dutch.

Common Mistakes

Using 'toereikend' for school grades. → Een voldoende.
In the Dutch education system, the term for a passing grade is always 'voldoende', never 'toereikend'.
Saying 'Ik heb toereikend gegeten'. → Ik heb genoeg gegeten.
'Toereikend' is too formal for personal physical needs like hunger or thirst.
Een toereikend oplossing. → Een toereikende oplossing.
'Oplossing' is a 'de'-word, so the adjective needs the '-e' suffix when used attributively.
Het budget is ontoereikend niet. → Het budget is niet toereikend / Het budget is ontoereikend.
You don't need 'niet' if you use the 'on-' prefix. 'Ontoereikend' already means 'not sufficient'.
Stress on the first syllable: TOE-reikend. → toe-REI-kend.
The stress in Dutch adjectives ending in '-end' often falls on the root syllable, which is 'reik' here.

Tips

Adjective Endings

Remember the '-e' suffix for 'de'-words and plurals when the adjective comes before the noun. Example: 'Een toereikende oplossing'.

Professional Tone

Use 'toereikend' in emails to your boss or clients to sound more professional than if you used 'genoeg'.

News Keywords

When listening to Dutch news, 'niet toereikend' is a key phrase to identify problems or shortages in government plans.

Stress the Middle

Always put the stress on the 'rei' syllable. Pronouncing it as 'TOE-reikend' will make it hard for natives to understand you.

Legal and Academic

In essays or legal letters, use 'toereikend' to describe evidence or substantiation. It shows a high level of language proficiency.

Root Association

Associate 'toereikend' with the English word 'reach'. If the amount 'reaches' the goal, it is toereikend.

Dutch Pragmatism

The word reflects the Dutch value of having just enough to be efficient and safe. It's a very 'Dutch' way of looking at resources.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'toereikend' for everything. If you use it for your coffee or your lunch, you will sound like a textbook.

Ontoereikend

Learn 'ontoereikend' as a single word for 'insufficient'. it is more powerful and formal than 'niet toereikend'.

Toereikend vs. Voldoende

Use 'voldoende' for grades and general satisfaction. Use 'toereikend' for formal quantities and requirements.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'TOE' + 'REACH' + 'END'. Your BIG TOE can REACH the END of the bed. If it reaches, it is 'toereikend' (sufficient).

Visual Association

Imagine a hand reaching for a light switch. If the hand reaches the switch, the person's height is 'toereikend'.

Word Web

Geld Tijd Bewijs Budget Middelen Informatie Voldoende Bereik

Challenge

Try to use 'toereikend' in three different sentences today: one about time, one about money, and one about a skill you have.

Word Origin

The word is formed from the Dutch prefix 'toe-' (towards/to) and the present participle of 'reiken' (to reach). It literally means 'reaching towards'.

Original meaning: Reaching a certain point or limit.

Germanic (Dutch). Related to German 'zureichend'.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but using it in an informal setting can make you sound arrogant or overly formal.

English speakers often use 'enough' for everything. Learning 'toereikend' helps them distinguish between casual and professional sufficiency.

Used frequently in Dutch government 'Troonrede' (Speech from the Throne) regarding the national budget. Common in Dutch legal textbooks regarding 'bewijslast' (burden of proof). Appears in many Dutch insurance contracts (Polisvoorwaarden).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Finance

Toereikend budget
Toereikende middelen
Financieel toereikend
Is het budget toereikend?

Legal

Toereikend bewijs
Toereikende onderbouwing
Wettelijk toereikend
Niet toereikend geacht

Science/Academic

Toereikende data
Toereikende verklaring
Methodologisch toereikend
Toereikende steekproef

Logistics

Toereikende voorraad
Toereikende capaciteit
Logistiek toereikend
Is de ruimte toereikend?

Policy/Government

Toereikende maatregelen
Toereikende opvang
Maatschappelijk toereikend
Toereikende financiering

Conversation Starters

"Vind je het huidige budget voor onze afdeling toereikend?"

"Is de informatie die we hebben gekregen toereikend om te beginnen?"

"Denk je dat de tijd die we hebben toereikend is voor dit project?"

"Zijn de veiligheidsmaatregelen hier volgens jou toereikend?"

"Was de uitleg van de manager toereikend voor het team?"

Journal Prompts

Schrijf over een moment waarop je middelen niet toereikend waren voor een doel.

Is je huidige kennis van het Nederlands toereikend voor je ambities?

Beschrijf een situatie waarin een toereikende voorbereiding het verschil maakte.

Denk je dat de huidige maatregelen tegen klimaatverandering toereikend zijn?

Wat heb je nodig om je leven 'toereikend' te noemen?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Essentially yes, but 'toereikend' is much more formal. You use 'genoeg' when talking to friends about pizza, and 'toereikend' when writing a business report about a budget. 'Toereikend' implies that the amount reaches a specific required threshold.

No, you should use 'voldoende' for a passing grade in Dutch schools and universities. Using 'toereikend' for a grade would sound very strange to a native speaker, even though the literal meaning is similar.

The most formal opposite is 'ontoereikend'. You can also say 'niet toereikend' or 'onvoldoende'. 'Ontoereikend' is very common in news headlines about shortages or failures in government policy.

It is pronounced toe-REI-kend. The 'toe' is like 'too', 'rei' is like 'say' but ending in 'ee', and 'kend' ends with a 't' sound. The stress is on the second syllable: toe-REI-kend.

You add the '-e' when 'toereikend' is placed directly before a 'de'-word or a plural noun. For example: 'de toereikende middelen' or 'een toereikende oplossing'. You don't add it after 'het' words with 'een' (een toereikend budget) or when it comes after the verb 'zijn'.

It is primarily used for quantity or scope—whether there is 'enough' of something. For quality, the word 'adequaat' (adequate) or 'voldoende' (satisfactory) is often more appropriate.

In written, professional, and news Dutch, it is very common. In daily spoken Dutch, it is rare. You will hear it on the news every day, but you might not hear it in a supermarket for months.

No, that would be grammatically correct but semantically weird. To say 'I am enough' in an emotional sense, Dutch people might say 'Ik ben goed genoeg'. 'Toereikend' is for resources, not for self-worth.

Budget, middelen (means), bewijs (evidence), voorraad (stock), tijd (time), informatie (information), and maatregelen (measures) are the most common nouns used with this word.

Yes! It comes from the verb 'reiken', which means 'to reach'. So something that is 'toereikend' literally 'reaches' the required goal or amount.

Test Yourself 190 questions

writing

Schrijf een zin met 'toereikend' over een budget.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

A simple sentence showing the use of 'toereikend' with 'budget'.