Onberoerd

Onberoerd is a Dutch adjective meaning unmoved or unaffected by emotional or external stimuli. It describes a person who remains calm or indifferent in a situation, or a scene or object that appears not to be disturbed by surrounding activity. The term is used in both everyday speech and written Dutch to convey a sense of composure or emotional distance.

Etymology and form: The word combines the negating prefix on- with beroerd, which stems from beroeren, meaning to move emotionally or physically. The compound is a standard part of the Dutch lexicon and is understood across the Netherlands and Flanders. It can function as an adjective or an adverb in sentences such as “Hij bleef onberoerd tijdens het nieuws” or “Het huis bleef onberoerd gedurende de bouw.”

Usage and nuance: Onberoerd implies a state of emotional invulnerability or detachment in the face of events, but it does not inherently judge the person as cold or unfeeling. It often carries a neutral to mildly positive connotation, signaling steadiness or composure in challenging circumstances. It is milder than words like onverstoorbaar (unflustered) or onverscheurd, which suggest a higher degree of immovability.

Contexts and examples: The term appears in journalism, literature, and conversation to describe people, places, or objects that resist disturbance. Example sentences include: “De burgemeester bleef onberoerd ondanks de boze menigten” and “De schilderijen bleven onberoerd toen het raam werd ingeslagen.” It is most at home in standard Dutch rather than in highly specialized jargon.