Gereedheid

Gereedheid is a Dutch noun that denotes the state of being prepared or ready to take action, fulfill a task, or respond to a situation. It covers mental readiness, physical preparedness, and the availability of tools, equipment, and resources. In everyday language it is often used to describe readiness in practical terms, such as the ability of a team, a machine, or an organization to operate without delay.

Etymology and meaning: The word is formed from the adjective gereed, meaning ready, with the suffix -heid, which creates abstract nouns such as “readiness” or “preparedness.” Gereed itself derives from older Dutch forms and has long been used to express an ordering or arrangement that makes action possible.

Contexts and usage: In safety and emergency planning, gereedheid refers to whether personnel, equipment, and procedures are in a state that allows immediate mobilization. In manufacturing or logistics, it describes the readiness of machinery and facilities to start operations on short notice. In general language, it can indicate a person’s or group’s readiness to begin a project, make a decision, or respond to a developing situation.

Related terms: Gereedheid is closely related to paraatheid (alertness and standby readiness) and to bereidheid (willingness). The distinctions are subtle and context-dependent, with gereedheid emphasizing practical operability and the capacity to act when needed.

In summary, gereedheid expresses the practical condition of being ready to act, rather than merely willing, and is widely used across professional and everyday Dutch discourse.