afbreuk

Afbreuk is a Dutch noun meaning deterioration, decline, or impairment of value or quality. It is used to describe a loss of usefulness or value of a person, object, or asset, caused by wear and tear, aging, damage, obsolescence, or adverse conditions. In everyday language it can refer to physical deterioration (a car or machine shows afbreuk after years of use) or to a decline in intangible value, such as a brand or reputation.

In accounting and finance, the concept is related to value loss but is not a precise technical term on its own. Related terms are afschrijving (depreciation) and waardevermindering (impairment). Afschrijving refers to the systematic allocation of the cost of a tangible fixed asset over its useful life, while waardevermindering/impairment refers to a recognized decrease in the recoverable amount when asset values fall below carrying amounts. Afbreuk describes the general phenomenon of value loss, whereas the formal accounting entries may use different terms depending on whether the loss is planned, due to wear, or triggered by impairment tests.

In practice, afbreuk can affect physical assets (machinery, vehicles, buildings) as well as intangible assets (patents, licenses) when their value or usefulness declines. Insurance and legal contexts may distinguish between actual damage and general deterioration affecting payout or claims.

Related terms include afschrijving, waardevermindering, impairment, afboeking, and slijtage. The concept serves as a broad description of loss in value, while specific accounting treatments rely on established standards and definitions.