Katholieke

Katholieke is the Dutch adjective meaning related to Catholicism or to the Catholic Church. The term originates from Latin catholicus, via Greek katholikos, meaning universal or pertaining to the whole. In Dutch, it is used to describe things associated with Catholicism, such as beliefs, institutions, or traditions.

The adjective katholieke appears before a noun and follows normal Dutch inflection rules. For example, de katholieke kerk (the Catholic Church), een katholieke traditie (a Catholic tradition). When used with definite articles, the ending -e is standard: de katholieke kerken, etc. In running text the adjective is normally written with a lowercase k, but in some contexts referring to the church as a formal institution, the concept may be written as Katholieke Kerk in capitalized form.

In practice, katholieke can describe both people and things connected to Catholicism, though the noun formkatholiek is also used for a Catholic person (plural katholieken). The distinction between the adjective and the noun is common in Dutch: katholieke describes, katholiek names a person or group.

In the Dutch-speaking world, meanings of katholieke intersect with religion, culture and history. The Catholic Church is a global Christian communion led by the pope in Rome, organized through episcopal conferences and parishes. Catholic practice often includes sacraments such as baptism and the Eucharist, as well as devotions and liturgical traditions, expressed in Dutch-speaking communities through churches, schools, charities and cultural events.