Hoeren

Hoeren is a Dutch noun referring to a sex worker or prostitute; the singular is hoer and the plural is hoeren. In contemporary Dutch, hoer is generally considered a pejorative or informal term, and many prefer neutral alternatives such as prostituee or sekswerker. The verb form hoeren exists but is less common in modern usage, with more neutral verbs like zich prostitueren or werken als prostituee used in everyday language.

Historically, the term has appeared in Dutch literature and speech with varying degrees of stigma. It has often carried moral judgments and social stigma, even as some contexts describe or report the work in descriptive terms. Contemporary discussions about prostitution in Dutch-speaking regions commonly favor non-judgmental, rights-based language and place emphasis on the realities of sex work, safety, and agency.

Legal and social context varies by country and region. In the Netherlands, prostitution is legal and regulated: sex workers may operate in licensed establishments or independently, and municipal authorities oversee licensing, health, and safety standards. The system aims to protect workers’ rights, regulate working conditions, and collect taxes. Public debates frequently address issues such as worker safety, trafficking concerns, and the balance between regulation and decriminalization, reflecting broader European and global discussions about sex work and social policy.

See also: sex work, prostitution, decriminalization, workers’ rights.