Dienstverband

Dienstverband is a Dutch term that refers to the employment relationship between an employee and an employer. It is typically established through an arbeidsovereenkomst (employment contract) that formalizes the worker’s duties, compensation, and integration into the employer’s organization. In everyday usage, dienstverband denotes being employed by a company or organization, as opposed to being self-employed or working as a freelancer.

Key features of a dienstverband include subordination, whereby the employee follows the employer’s instructions and works within the employer’s structures, and remuneration in the form of a salary. The arrangement is governed by Dutch labor law and, where applicable, by sector-specific collective labor agreements (CAO). Rights and obligations commonly covered include paid leave, holiday entitlement, sick leave, pension accrual, and unemployment protection. Termination of a dienstverband is regulated by statutory rules and CAO provisions, with notice periods and conditions for dismissal or severance depending on the sector and the circumstances.

Types and scope vary: a dienstverband can be for an indefinite period (ondbepaalde tijd) or for a fixed term (bepaalde tijd). Probationary periods may be included. The concept is distinct from other forms of work, such as independent contracting (zelfstandige/zzp) or agency work, where the worker is not under the same employer subordination or lacks certain employment protections.

In the public sector, the term is also used, sometimes with sector-specific rules and appointment terms. In German-speaking contexts, ein ähnliches Konzept exists under dienstverhältnis or dienstverband, referring to a service-based employment relationship, with differences in legal framework.