Reëls

Reëls is the plural of reël, a Dutch term that refers to a rule, principle, or norm that guides behaviour or practice. Reëls can be codified in written form, such as in manuals or codes, or they can be customary guidelines that are widely observed without formal enforcement. The concept encompasses both formal regulations and informal conventions that people expect others to follow.

Usage and nuance: In everyday language, reëls often denote norms or conventions that shape social interaction or specialized practice, such as de reëls van etiquette or de reëls van een spel. When a precise, written instruction is meant, Dutch speakers more often use regel or voorschrift; reël emphasizes normative or customary aspects.

Orthography: In Dutch, reël (singular) and reëls (plural) are spelled with a diaeresis to indicate two syllables in traditional orthography. The diacritic marks help distinguish the term from similar-looking words and reflect its historical pronunciation as a two-syllable word.

Related terms: Synonyms include regel, norm, conventie, voorschrift. In idiomatic usage, phrases such as huisregels (house rules) or spelregels (game rules) are common. The term is used across domains, including law, sport, literature, and everyday life.