Praktijken

Praktijken is the plural of praktijk in Dutch and refers to both the act of putting knowledge or skill into action and the places where such activities are carried out. The core sense focuses on real-world application, as opposed to theory, and on ongoing activities rather than single events. In everyday language practicing a skill or profession is described through the term praktijk, while when multiple instances are involved, practijken or praktijken function as the plural.

In professional contexts, praktijk commonly designates a workplace where specialists operate, such as a huisartspraktijk (a general medical practice) or een advocatenpraktijk (a law practice). It can also denote the professional craft or business practices of a field, including routines, standards, and methods that professionals follow. The phrase in de praktijk is frequently used to indicate how theory translates into actual work or results.

Beyond medical or legal settings, praktijken covers social and cultural routines—the day-to-day practices that shape organizational life, communities, and traditions. In sociology and anthropology, praktijken describe customary actions, rituals, and procedures that constitute practical knowledge and collective behavior. The concept emphasizes that knowledge becomes meaningful through its application in real situations.

Common expressions include in de praktijk, praktijkvoering (practice management), and dagelijkse praktijk (daily practice). Related terms include praxis, the philosophical notion of action-oriented theory, and praktijkervaring (practical experience). Overall, praktijken capture both the tangible spaces of professional work and the habitual, learned activities that define how work and life are actually carried out.