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 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.

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