Verstandige

Verstandige is the attributive inflected form of the Dutch adjective verstandig, meaning sensible, prudent or wise. In ordinary usage, it describes someone or something that shows good judgment or sound reasoning. For example, een verstandige keuze means a sensible choice, and een verstandige man or een verstandige vrouw refers to a sensible or prudent person. The adjective and its inflected form are used before a noun, as in de verstandige leerling (the sensible student) or een verstandige beslissing (a prudent decision). In predicative position after a linking verb (hij is verstandig), the form does not take the -e ending.

Etymology and cognates: Verstandig derives from the Dutch verb verstaan (to understand) with the suffix -dig, yielding a sense of possessing understanding or discernment. The sense evolved to cover prudent judgment and good sense. The form verstandige is simply the morphological ending that accompanies the adjective when it modifies a noun.

Usage and nuance: Verstandig emphasizes prudent, thoughtful judgment and avoiding rash action. It is commonly used in everyday speech and formal writing to contrast with onverstandig (unwise) or onredelijk (unreasonable). It can describe people, actions, policies, or decisions. While closely related to slim (clever), verstandige carries a stronger sense of practical wisdom and responsible thinking rather than mere cleverness.

Noun usage and plurals: In some contexts, the adjective can be used as a noun phrase, such as "de verstandige" meaning “the sensible one/ones.” Plural usage occurs with the noun phrase, yielding phrases like “de verstandigen” for “the sensible people.”

Translations: In English, verstandige translates to sensible, prudent or wise, depending on context. Related terms in Dutch include verstandig, redelijk (reasonable), and slim (clever).