Aanmelden

Aanmelden is a Dutch verb meaning to register or sign up, and also to announce one’s presence or to report to a location or organization. It is used when a person indicates they want to participate in an activity, receive a service, or inform a recipient about their arrival. The term is versatile and appears in contexts such as events, memberships, courses, newsletters, and official declarations.

Usage and nuance

Zich aanmelden is the most common form for signing up oneself. It is used with various prepositions depending on the context, for example: aanmelden bij (register with) a company or organization, aanmelden voor (sign up for) an event or course, or aanmelden als (register as) a member or role. The related verb inschrijven is often used for formal enrollment in structured programs, while aanmelden has a broader sense that also covers merely notifying presence or intention to participate.

Conjugation and examples

In present tense: ik meld me aan, jij meldt je aan, hij meldt zich aan, wij melden ons aan, jullie melden je aan, zij melden zich aan. The past participle is aangemeld, and the perfect tense is formed with hebben: ik heb me aangemeld, wij hebben ons aangemeld. Imperatives: Meld je aan! (informal), Meldt u aan! (formal). Examples: Ik meld me aan voor de nieuwsbrief. Zij meldde zich aan bij de vereniging.

Nomenclature and related forms

The act of signing up is de aanmelding. An aanmelding kan formeel of informeel zijn, afhankelijk van de context. Verwante termen zijn inschrijving (formal enrollment) en afmelden (to unsubscribe or to unsubscribe). Aanmelden is thus a core term for participation and presence in Dutch administrative and social processes.