Binnenpast

Binnenpast is a proposed term in the field of time semantics and discourse analysis, used by some linguists to describe a temporal frame that locates events inside another past reference point, such as within reported speech, memory, or a narrative that is itself past. The term is not widely standardized and has no single accepted definition.

In some accounts, binnenpast is treated as a subcategory of the perfect aspect, marking events that are situated within the past frame rather than at the main narrative present. In others, it is described as a discourse-level category rather than a grammatical mood, used to discuss how speakers organize past information.

Etymology: from Dutch binnen- ‘inside’ and past, reflecting its proposed meaning of “past within a past.” Examples are scarce; conventional past tenses (past, imperfect, pluperfect) cover most uses in Dutch, with binnenpast remaining a theoretical label in limited literature.

See also: tense, aspect, Dutch language, reported speech, memory narration.

Notes: The term’s existence and definition may vary by author; readers should consult the specific works that introduce or employ it for precise usage.