Handeling

Handeling is a Dutch noun meaning action, act, operation, or procedure. It is used across contexts to denote something that is done, a formal process, or a specific act performed by a person or institution. In religious and historical texts, Handelingen is the plural form used as the title for the Acts of the Apostles in Dutch translations, as in Handelingen der Apostelen.

Etymology and sense development: the term derives from Middle Dutch handeling, itself based on hand with a derivational suffix. Historically it referred to acts carried out by hand or through action in a broad sense, and over time expanded to cover both everyday actions and formal procedures.

Common uses: in everyday Dutch, a handeling can be any simple or complex action, such as a small daily task or a defined step in a process. In medicine, medisch handelen refers to the care or treatment provided by health professionals. In administrative or legal contexts, handelingen denote formal acts or procedures carried out by authorities or individuals, such as filing documents or performing official tasks.

Relation to related words: handelen is the verb meaning to act or to trade, distinct from the noun handeling. Handeling and handelen are related linguistically, but their usage differs by part of speech. Synonyms for handeling include daad (deed), actie (action), and procedure or operatie in technical contexts, depending on nuance.

See also: acts and acts in religious texts, legal acts, medical treatment, and Dutch vocabulary on action and procedure. In English-language contexts, the direct equivalent of handeling varies by usage and can be translated as action, act, procedure, or treatment.