Aanreiken

Aanreiken is a Dutch verb meaning to hand something to someone or to offer or present something. It covers both literal handing over of objects and the provision of ideas, information, or support. The term implies making the item available for the recipient’s use, consideration, or benefit, often as a courteous or facilitative gesture.

Etymology: from aan- meaning toward and reiken meaning to reach. The compound conveys the act of reaching out toward someone with an item or with something to convey.

Usage: It can denote physical handing over: for example, presenting documents, tools, or prizes to someone. It also covers figurative offerings, such as advice, a proposal, or information. In Dutch you typically say iemand iets aanreiken to hand someone something, or een voorstel aanreiken to present a proposal. The verb is used in formal and semi-formal language; synonyms include overhandigen and aanbieden, though aanreiken often emphasizes a gesture that makes something available or usable.

Forms and notes: Aanreiken is a regular Dutch verb. In practice, you will encounter present tense forms like reikt aan, past tense reikte aan, and the past participle aangereikt. The exact pronouns and construction depend on sentence structure, but the core idea remains: to extend something to another person, either physically or symbolically.

See also: Overhandigen, aanbieden, voorstellen. These verbs are close in meaning but differ in nuance and formality.