Werven

Werven is a Dutch verb meaning to recruit or enlist people, especially to fill positions in organizations or to enroll for military service. The related noun werving denotes the act or process of recruitment. In modern Dutch, the verb rekruteren is also widely used, particularly in human resources, but werven remains common in a variety of contexts. The expression werving en selectie is a standard term referring to recruitment and selection in HR practice.

Contexts in which werven is used include the military, where it refers to campaigns aimed at attracting soldiers or conscripts; and civilian settings such as business, public administration, and education, where it describes attracting job candidates, volunteers, or participants. In politics and civil society, werving can refer to recruiting volunteers or supporters for campaigns or causes.

Usage notes: werven often implies active outreach and campaigning, such as advertising, events, and outreach programs designed to attract people. The term is found in official documents, policy papers, and everyday language, sometimes with the more neutral or modern synonym Rekruteren.

See also: Rekrutering, recruitment, werving en selectie.