Luidende

Luidende is a Dutch adjective used primarily in formal and legal language. It refers to a text, rule, or regulation that is currently in force or applicable. In this sense, luidende conveys the idea of the text as it stands and operates, rather than a draft, historical version, or proposal.

In practice, luidende is most commonly heard in phrases such as luidende wet, luidende regelgeving, or luidende tekst. The luidende wet is the current text of the law as published and in effect, including any amendments up to the present moment. Similarly, luidende regelgeving denotes the regulations that are currently enforceable. The term is used to distinguish the official, operative version from earlier versions or non-binding drafts.

Etymologically, luidende derives from the verb luiden, meaning to sound. The use in legal language is metaphorical: a law or regulation is said to be luidend when its text “sounds” as the authoritative version that governs practice. This contrasts with historical, doctrinal, or draft versions that no longer have legal effect. While luidende often aligns with synonyms like geldende or in werking tredende, it emphasizes the textual form that remains legally in force.

See also: luiden (to sound), geldend (in effect), in werking (in force), regelgeving (regulations).