begininhoud

Begininhoud is a Dutch editorial term that refers to the opening portion of a document or article. It functions as the introductory content that presents the topic, sets the scope, and offers the reader a first sense of the reader’s trajectory through the piece. The begininhoud is typically designed to be informative and neutral, avoiding spoilers while outlining the main question or objective of the text.

Etymology and placement

The word combines begin, meaning to start, with inhoud, meaning content. In practice, the begininhoud appears immediately after the title and any subheadings, serving as the initial point of engagement for readers. In print, it may be a short paragraph; in online formats, it often corresponds to the lead paragraph or a concise summary snippet used in search results and previews.

Structure and content

A well-crafted begininhoud usually includes a brief statement of the topic, the purpose or thesis of the article, and the scope of coverage. It may also pose a question or highlight the relevance to the reader. The emphasis is on clarity and brevity, providing enough context to orient the reader without delving into detailed arguments that are developed in the body of the text.

Usage and variations

In different media, begininhoud can take slightly different forms. For web content, it often doubles as the meta description or lead, while in print it may function as a stand-alone opening paragraph. Some editors distinguish begininhoud from the main body by treating it as a distinct, summarizing opening, whereas others refer to it simply as the introduction.

Relation to related terms

Related concepts include introductie, lead, and inleidende tekst. While related, these terms may vary by publication or style guide, with begininhoud emphasizing the opening function of presenting the topic and scope.