akkoorden

Akkoorden is a Dutch word with two primary meanings. In music, it refers to a chord—an aggregate of pitches sounded together that creates harmony. In law and diplomacy, it denotes a formal agreement between two or more parties, such as treaties, contracts, or declarations. The context usually clarifies which sense is meant.

The term derives from the French accord, meaning agreement, with the Dutch form akkoord/akkoorden. Over time, it has come to denote both the musical and the contractual senses, distinguished by topic rather than by spelling.

In music, an akkoorden is typically a set of notes played simultaneously. Most common are triads, such as a major triad (for example C-E-G) and a minor triad (A-C-E). More complex chords include seventh chords and extended harmonies. Chords function within a key through progressions, for instance tonic–dominant–subdominant sequences, shaping harmony and mood.

In legal or diplomatic usage, an akkoorden is a formal agreement between parties. It may be bilateral or multilateral and can be written or, less commonly, informal. A written akkoorden often specifies the parties, rights and obligations, duration, termination conditions, and dispute resolution. International akkoorden may be governed by public international law and subject to ratification or domestic implementation.

Notable examples include the Parijsakkoord (Paris Agreement) of 2015, a global climate accord, and various regional or sectoral accords. In everyday Dutch usage, akkoorden appear in news about negotiations, contracts, and collaborative projects.