Begonnenen

Begonnenen is a noun-form found in Dutch, derived from the verb beginnen (to begin). In modern standard Dutch it is not commonly used and is rarely listed in contemporary dictionaries. When it does appear, it is typically in historical texts, archival records, or regional dialects, and it usually refers to a group of people who have begun a project, journey, or undertaking.

Etymology and form: Begonnenen appears to originate from the past participle begonnen (begun) with the addition of a plural suffix -en to create a collective sense. This type of nominalization occurs sporadically in older Dutch usage, but it is not considered productive in current language practice.

Usage and context: The term is largely confined to older or more formal writings. In present-day Dutch, writers would generally rephrase the idea with periphrastic forms such as "de personen die begonnen zijn" (the people who have begun) or use more standard terms like beginners or beginpunten, depending on context. Because begonnenen is uncommon, its exact meaning can vary by text and era.

Related terms: Begonnenen is related to the verb beginnen and its participle begonnen. For modern references to people at the start of an activity, Dutch commonly uses beginners (beginner), or cooperates phrases that specify the action taken. See also: beginnen, begonnen, beginneling, en beginner.

Notes: Begonnenen is a rare and largely archaic or dialectal form. It is not a standard or widely accepted term in contemporary Dutch, and readers encountering it should consider the historical or regional context for accurate interpretation.