Behoeftigen

Behoeftigen is a Dutch noun used to refer to people who lack basic resources or are in need of assistance. The term denotes individuals or groups that require support from social services, charities, or humanitarian aid due to insufficient means to meet fundamental needs such as food, shelter, or healthcare. In Dutch policy and public discourse, behoeftigen is often used to categorize a demographic that welfare programs aim to help, though in everyday language people more commonly speak of “mensen in armoede” or “mensen in nood.”

Linguistic notes: the base adjective is behoeftig, meaning needy. The noun forms include de behoeftige (singular) and de behoeftigen (plural). In many texts, especially formal or policy documents, the plural behoeftigen is used to refer to the group as a category. The term is generally neutral in tone, but as with any label for a vulnerable group, it can carry stigmatizing connotations if used pejoratively or without care.

Context and usage: behoeftigen appear in discussions of welfare state arrangements, social security, poverty alleviation, and aid distribution. Policies may define eligibility criteria that determine which individuals fall under this category. It is common to see the phrase in official statements such as plans, reports, and NGO communications that describe aims to support those in need.

See also: poverty, social welfare, minimum income schemes, aid distribution, vulnerable populations.