Uitstekend

Uitstekend is a Dutch adjective meaning outstanding or excellent. It is used to describe the quality of objects, performances, ideas, or actions. The term can function attributively (een uitstekend plan) or predicatively (Het plan is uitstekend). In many contexts it marks a strong positive evaluation, often stronger than goed or prima.

Etymology: Uitstekend derives from uit- meaning “out” and steken, “to stick.” The original sense referred to something that sticks out physically, a figurative extension later giving the sense of high merit or outstanding quality.

Usage: The word is common in everyday language, reviews, marketing, and formal assessments. It appears in phrases such as een uitstekende prestatie, een uitstekend idee, or een uitstekend resultaat. In educational grading contexts, Uitstekend is often used to denote the top tier on scales that go up to 10, typically corresponding to a 9 or 10, depending on the institution.

Translations: In English, the standard equivalents are “outstanding” or “excellent.” The nuance is a strong, unequivocal positive judgment rather than merely good.

Cultural notes: Uitstekend carries a positive, emphatic endorsement and is widely understood in Dutch-speaking communities. It is appropriate when the speaker genuinely regards the subject as being of very high quality or merit.