Verklaar

Verklaar is the imperative form of the Dutch verb verklaren, which means to explain, to declare, or to account for. The base verb verklaren denotes making something clear by giving reasons or evidence, or stating a fact in a formal sense. In everyday language it is used to explain causes or justify actions; in legal or official contexts it can mean to declare or certify a condition or fact. The corresponding noun is verklaring, meaning an explanation or a statement.

Etymology: Verklaren comes from Middle Dutch and is related to Old Dutch; it is cognate with German erklären and English explain. The core meaning relates to klar/klar (clear); the prefix ver- in Dutch often adds a sense of making or intensifying. Over time, the word covers both casual explanations and formal declarations.

Usage and forms: Present tense forms are ik verklaar, jij verklaart, hij verklaart, wij verklaren, jullie verklaren, zij verklaren. The imperative is verklaar (informal) or verklaart u (formal). The past tense is verklaarde and the past participle is verklaard, used with hebben to form the present perfect: heeft verklaard. Examples: Ik verklaar waarom ik te laat ben. De getuige verklaart dat hij onschuldig is. In official texts, a verklaring can be a written declaration or sworn statement.

See also: verklaring, verklaren, uitleggen; erklären (German cognate).