Cliënten

Cliënt is a Dutch noun used to describe a person or organization that receives professional services or advice from another party, such as a lawyer, therapist, accountant, consultant, or social worker. The term encompasses individuals who engage ongoing guidance or representation, rather than customers who merely buy a product. The plural form is cliënten or cliënten, with cliënten commonly used in everyday spelling.

In professional and service contexts, the distinction between cliënt and related terms is important. Klant typically refers to a customer in a commercial, transactional sense, while patiënt is used for someone receiving medical treatment. Cliënten are regarded as beneficiaries of professional services and are often involved in a formal service relationship that includes aspects such as informed consent, confidentiality, and ongoing collaboration.

Linguistic notes: the feminine form for a woman is cliënte, while the plural remains cliënten. The word originates from Latin cliens, meaning a person who is under the protection or patronage of another, and entered Dutch via French influence. In modern usage, the term emphasizes the service relationship and the professional responsibilities of the service provider.

Privacy and ethics: in many fields, professionals have duties to protect cliënten’ personal information and to obtain consent for information sharing or recording discussions. This emphasis on confidentiality reflects the trust inherent in the cliënt–professional relationship.

See also: klant, patiënt, cliëntervaringen.