Kosteloos

Kosteloos is a Dutch adjective and adverb meaning "without cost" or "free of charge." It is used to indicate that no payment is required for a product, service, or action. The term is common in formal texts, notices, contracts and public communications, though in everyday language it is often substituted by gratis.

Distinction from gratis: Gratis and kosteloos are similar in meaning, but kosteloos places more emphasis on the absence of a price and is typically used in more formal or bureaucratic contexts, while gratis is common in everyday speech and promotions.

Usage and nuances: In practice, kosteloos appears in notices and policy documents to signal that a service or item does not incur a charge. Examples include statements like "de toegang is kosteloos" or "kosteloos advies." The term can be conditional, meaning that a service described as kosteloos may still be subject to certain criteria or exclusions, such as regional limitations, time frames, or related costs specified elsewhere in the terms.

Etymology: Kosteloos is formed from kost, meaning cost, and loos, meaning without, effectively signaling "without cost."

Related terms: Gratis, which also means free of charge but is often used in informal or promotional contexts. In legal or official text, kosteloos is the preferred term to denote lack of price within specific terms and conditions.