Generaals

Generaals is the Dutch plural form of generaal, a high-ranking officer in the armed forces. In Dutch-language contexts, the term refers to officers who hold or have held the rank of general. It is used to describe both individuals and groups of such officers, in historical and contemporary narratives.

Within the Dutch armed forces, generaal is the highest peacetime rank in land and air forces, typically equivalent to a four-star general in English-language militaries. The rank category below includes luitenant-generaal (lieutenant general), generaal-majoor (major general), and brigadegeneraal (brigadier general). Promotions to these ranks reflect senior command responsibilities, strategic planning, and international interoperability.

Historically, generaals have played central roles in major Dutch military campaigns and in the defense of the realm during periods such as the Eighty Years’ War and World War II. In modern usage, they command large formations, oversee defense policy, and may serve in allied missions and international organizations.

Outside Dutch contexts, the term for the same rank is usually rendered as general in English, or généraux in French. The variant generaals is not used in English and should be reserved for Dutch-language writing.