Herstel

Herstel is a Dutch noun that denotes restoration, recovery, or rehabilitation. It describes the act of returning something to its previous condition or the process of regaining health or function after illness, injury, or decline. The term is used across domains such as health care, construction, environmental management, and social or economic recovery.

Etymology: Derived from the verb herstellen meaning to restore, repair, or reestablish. The prefix her- signals reversal or return, and the root stel relates to placing or setting; together they convey the idea of putting back to a former state.

In practice: Health and rehabilitation use herstel to discuss recovery trajectories after surgery or illness, and in mental health. In heritage and construction, herstel can refer to the process of bringing a building or object back toward its original condition; restauratie is common for formal conservation work. In ecology, herstel denotes ecological restoration. In economics and governance, phrases like economisch herstel or herstelmaatregelen describe recovery from a crisis and policy actions to support it. In law, herstelrecht or restorative justice focuses on repairing harm caused by wrongdoing and may involve victims, offenders, and community processes.

See also: herstelrecht, restauratie, schadeherstel, recovery.