Bijkomstigheid

Bijkomstigheid is a Dutch word that translates to "contingency," "ancillary matter," or "by-product" in English. It refers to something that is secondary, incidental, or not the primary focus of a situation or event. A bijkomstigheid is something that happens alongside or as a result of something else, but it is not the main purpose or consequence.

The concept of bijkomstigheid can be applied in various contexts. In legal or contractual settings, it might describe clauses or conditions that are secondary to the main terms of an agreement. In everyday language, it can describe minor inconveniences or unexpected but not crucial outcomes of an action. For example, if a train is delayed, the fact that you have to wait longer for your connection might be considered a bijkomstigheid of the initial delay.

It is important to distinguish a bijkomstigheid from a direct cause or a primary effect. While a bijkomstigheid is related to an event, it is not necessarily the cause of that event, nor is it the most significant outcome. The term often implies a degree of unpredictability or a lack of essential importance. Understanding what constitutes a bijkomstigheid helps in prioritizing and assessing the significance of different aspects of a situation.