Serveerders

Serveerders are hospitality workers in Dutch-speaking contexts who provide service to guests in dining settings. The term stems from the verb serveren (to serve) and refers to people who assist guests by delivering food and drinks, taking orders, and maintaining the flow of service during a meal.

Typical duties include greeting guests, presenting menus, taking orders, serving courses and beverages, clearing and resetting tables, handling payments, and providing information about dishes or allergens. They may also assist with arranging seating, upselling items, and ensuring cleanliness in the dining area.

Work environments include restaurants, cafes, catering operations, hotels, hospitals, airports, and event venues. Training is usually on the job, though many workers complete hospitality or catering courses. Key skills include customer service, communication, basic math, knowledge of menu items and allergens, and the ability to work as part of a team. In many places, servers must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and may need licensing or staff certification for serving alcohol.

Gender forms: the masculine singular is serveerder and the feminine singular is serveerster; the plural serveerders covers mixed or male groups. In modern usage, gender-neutral language is common, and "serveerders" is often used as the generic form for service staff.