Afscannen

Afscannen is a Dutch verb meaning to perform a scan on something using a scanner or reader, typically to read data from a barcode, ticket, or card and register it in a system. The term is formed with the prefix af- added to scannen and is commonly used in retail, libraries, and event access.

As a separable verb, its prefix is separated in the present tense: De kassamedewerker scant de barcode af. In perfect tense it appears as afgescand and in present perfect as ik heb de kaart afgescand. The passive forms are de kaart is afgescand. The meaning is to obtain information by scanning rather than typing.

Common contexts include retail checkout, where barcodes are scanned to register products; library or membership services, where cards or tickets are scanned for validation; and access control at venues or stations, where tickets and passes are scanned to grant entry. The term can also appear in other data-entry workflows, such as scanning vouchers or coupons.

Etymology and related terms: afscannen is a Dutch formation from the native prefix af- and the loanword scannen (from English). It is often synonymous with scannen in many contexts, though afscannen emphasizes the completion of the scanning action at a specific point. See also scannen, barcode, QR-code.