belangstelling

Belangstelling is a Dutch noun that denotes interest, attention, or concern shown by someone, or the state of being interested in something. It can refer to personal curiosity as well as to public or media interest in events, topics, or issues. In neutral contexts it is often used in formal or literary registers.

The word is a compound of belang (interest, importance, stake) and the suffix -stelling, which forms abstract nouns indicating a state or condition. This etymology places belangstelling in the realm of attitudes or dispositions toward a subject.

Usage and nuance: Belangstelling is commonly found in phrases such as met grote belangstelling (with great interest) or de tentoonstelling trok veel belangstelling (the exhibition attracted much public interest). It can describe both the act of taking an interest and the level of attention from others, including the press or the public. In modern everyday language, belangstelling can be somewhat more formal or literary than synonyms like interesse (interest) or aandacht (attention), which are more common in ordinary speech.

See also: Belang, Interesse, Aandacht, Publieke belangstelling.

Notes: In many contexts, especially contemporary speech, belangstelling is closely associated with public or outward attention, whereas interesse often refers more to personal or internal interest. Both terms can be used with similar meanings, but their nuance and formality differ.