aftreden

Aftreden, in Dutch, means to resign or to step down from an official or professional position. The term is used for politicians, ministers, civil servants, executives, and other figures who leave active duties before or at the end of their term. Aftreden can be voluntary, due to personal reasons or a wish to retire, or it can follow political pressure, loss of confidence, scandals, health issues, or legal or constitutional requirements.

In political contexts, aftreden often follows elections, a shift in leadership, or a loss of parliamentary support. After announcing a resignation, an official typically designates an effective date. A successor is appointed or elected by the appropriate authority, and a transition period commonly ensues. In government, a cabinet may continue as a caretaker or demissionair cabinet until a new government is formed; in corporate or organizational settings, a board may appoint an interim chief executive or director to maintain operations.

Grammatical note: aftreden is the infinitive form. The past participle is afgetreden, used to describe someone who has resigned (for example, hij is afgetreden). Related forms describe the act of stepping down, such as someone who aftreedem? No—correct form is afgetreden.

Etymology: the word combines the prefix af- (away, off) with treden (to step), indicating a person stepping away from a position.

See also: resignation, stepping down, caretaker government, transition period.