Doelmatige

Doelmatige is the attributive form of the Dutch adjective doelmatig. Doelmatig describes actions, plans, measures, or resources that are well suited to achieving a desired outcome. In English, it is often rendered as “fit for purpose,” “effective,” or “appropriate for the goal.” The term emphasizes suitability to a goal and sensible use of resources.

Usage and nuance: Doelmatige is used before a noun to indicate that the noun is appropriate for its intended aim. Common collocations include doelmatige oplossing (a solution that is appropriate for the goal), doelmatige aanpak (a practical, goal-oriented approach), and doelmatige investeringen (efficient investments). Doelmatig is distinct from verwante termen such as effectief (effective), efficiënt (efficient in the sense of minimal waste), and doelgericht (goal-directed). Doelmatig focuses on alignment with a goal and resource adequacy, while doelgericht stresses the focus on the goal, and efficiënt stresses economical use of resources.

Grammatical notes: Doelmatig is the base form; doelmatige is the inflected form used before a noun in typical Dutch syntax, especially with de- or het-nouns and plural forms. The form may appear in various grammatical contexts, but the core meaning remains: the described item is suitable or appropriate for its intended purpose.

Etymology: The word derives from doel (goal) plus -matig, a suffix forming adjectives meaning “in the manner of” or “characteristic of.” It is widely used in business, planning, governance, and everyday language to express measured suitability for purpose. See also doelgericht, effectief, en efficiënt.