Getuige

Getuige is a Dutch noun meaning a person who testifies or bears witness, typically in legal proceedings. The term can refer to anyone who provides information about events, whether as a participant or observer. In everyday usage, it can also denote someone who attests to facts or corroborates evidence. The related forms include ooggetuige (eyewitness) and deskundig getuige (expert witness). The verb form is getuigen, meaning to testify or to bear witness, and the action yields a getuigenverklaring (written witness statement).

In law, a getuige is typically summoned to court and may be required to take an oath or make an affirmation that their testimony is true. Their credibility can be evaluated in court, and they may be cross-examined by opposing counsel. The testimony provided by a getuige can be used to establish facts, corroborate other evidence, or support a case. If a witness fails to appear, they may face penalties depending on the jurisdiction.

In non-legal contexts, getuige can describe someone who witnessed an event or is a source of corroborating information. The term is common in Dutch legal and journalistic language, and it appears in phrases such as getuigenverklaring (witness statement) and getuigeverslag (witness report).