Kortweg

Kortweg is a Dutch adverb meaning “in short,” “briefly,” or “to sum up.” It is used to introduce a concise summary or to present a simplified form of a longer explanation. The term is common in both spoken and written Dutch and can appear in formal as well as informal contexts.

Etymology and usage notes: Kortweg combines kort, meaning “short,” with weg, meaning “way” or “path.” The figurative sense of “the short way” developed into the idiomatic meaning of a brief, direct summary. The expression is widely recognized in standard Dutch and is not considered regional; it appears in journalism, academic writing, and everyday discourse.

Typical usage: Kortweg is often positioned at the start of a clause or sentence to signal a summary. For example: “Kortweg gezegd, het project is mislukt.” or “Kortweg: er zijn geen extra middelen beschikbaar.” It can also appear mid-sentence in more casual speech, but the introductory use is most common in formal writing.

Relation to related phrases: A close alternative is “in het kort,” which carries a similar meaning but with a slightly more formal or editorial tone depending on context. Other related constructions include “kortom” (in short, in conclusion) and “samengevat” (summarized).

Notes on usage: Kortweg is a neutral term suitable for most registers. It should not be confused with a noun or proper name; its function is exclusively adverbial, serving to streamline or condense information for the listener or reader.