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Zaal

Zaal is the Dutch noun for a large room used for public gatherings, performances, or events. In everyday language it refers to spaces inside buildings designed to accommodate groups, such as theatres, churches, schools, or hotels. The word is typically contrasted with smaller private rooms (kamers) and with generic spaces (ruimtes). Common examples include theaterzaal (theater hall), concertzaal (concert hall), feestzaal (party hall), vergaderzaal (meeting room), and hotelzaal (function room in a hotel). In many buildings, the specific room name on signage indicates a particular hall, such as de grote zaal (the large hall) or de kleine zaal (the small hall). The raadszaal, or council chamber, is a political or administrative hall where meetings are held.

Etymology: zaal comes from Old Dutch sâla or sala and is cognate with German Saal; both derive

See also: German Saal, French salle, English hall.

from
Latin
sala
meaning
hall
or
large
room.
The
sense
has
broadened
in
Dutch
to
include
a
variety
of
indoor
assembly
spaces,
while
smaller
private
rooms
are
usually
called
kamers.