Anonieme

Anonieme is the Dutch attributive form of the adjective anoniem, meaning anonymous or without a name. It is used to describe persons, sources, statements, or objects when the identity is not disclosed or deliberately concealed. In journalism and research, phrases such as de anonieme bron or de anonieme getuige refer to sources whose names are withheld. In digital and legal contexts, anonieme gebruikers accounts or anonieme tips indicate privacy or pseudonymity.

Etymology and usage: The word originates from the Greek anōnymos, meaning “without a name,” via Latin anonymus and Old French anonyme, and entered Dutch during the early modern period. The form anonieme adapts to the noun it modifies and follows standard Dutch agreement rules for adjectives in common constructions, such as de anonieme bron or het anonieme bericht.

Context and implications: The concept of anonimity is central to debates on freedom of information, whistleblowing, privacy, and data protection. The term emphasizes the concealment of identity to protect individuals, sources, or sensitive information, while also raising questions about accountability and transparency in media and governance.

See also: anonymity, privacy, source protection, whistleblower.