Schriftelijke

Schriftelijke is a Dutch adjective meaning written or in written form. It is used to describe information or material that exists as text rather than as speech. In Dutch, the term appears in formal and official contexts and is commonly attached to nouns to specify the kind of document or communication.

Common uses include legal and administrative contexts, such as schriftelijke verklaring (written statement), schriftelijke toestemming (written consent), schriftelijke melding or kennisgeving (written notice). In education and examination, phrases like schriftelijk examen (written exam) and schriftelijke opdrachten (written assignments) are standard. In journalism and business, schriftelijke berichtgeving (written reporting) and schriftelijke communicatie (written communication) are typical.

In contrast to schriftelijke, the related term mondeling describes something spoken or oral. The pair is used to distinguish modes of communication, evidence, or assessment.

Etymology and form: schriftelijke derives from schrift (writing) with the Dutch suffix -elijk to form an adjective meaning “pertaining to writing.” It corresponds to the German Schriftlich and appears in many compound terms. The form can vary depending on the noun it modifies, with both schriftelijk and schriftelijke appearing in common usage.