Bevoegde

Bevoegde is a Dutch adjective meaning having the authority or competence to perform a task or to make decisions in a specified domain. It describes a person, body, institution, or official that is legally empowered or authorized to act. In practice, bevoegde authorities are designated by law, regulation, or formal mandate. Common expressions include bevoegde autoriteit (competent authority), bevoegde ambtenaar (competent official), and someone who is bevoegd om besluiten te nemen (authorized to make decisions). The noun form is bevoegdheid, referring to the power, authority, or jurisdiction itself, as in de bevoegdheid van de rechter or de bevoegdheden van een instantie.

Bevoegde is often used in legal, administrative, and professional contexts to indicate proper jurisdiction or entitlement. It helps determine which entity may initiate procedures, issue permits, enforce rules, or adjudicate disputes. Conflicts about bevoegdheden concern the division of powers among authorities, agencies, or levels of government.

Relation to bekwaam: while both can be translated as "competent" or "able," bevoegde emphasizes official power and delegated authority, whereas bekwaam emphasizes capability or skill. The term is widely used in Dutch administrative law, constitutional law, and regulatory practice.

See also: bevoegdheid, autoriteit, rechtspraak, administrative law, jurisdiction.