betaalde

Betaalde is a Dutch term that functions as both the past tense form of the verb betalen (to pay) and as an adjective meaning “paid.” As a verb form, betaalde appears in sentences such as hij betaalde de rekening (he paid the bill). As an adjective, betaalde describes a noun to indicate remuneration, most commonly in phrases related to work, benefits, and services (for example betaalde arbeid, betaalde vakantie, betaalde uren, betaalde medewerkers).

Etymologically, betaalde derives from betalen with the typical Dutch -de ending that marks past tense or an attributive adjective form, depending on its syntactic position. When used attributively, it modifies a noun to convey compensation: betaalde arbeid refers to work for which wages are received, in contrast with onbetaalde arbeid (unpaid work). In everyday and formal Dutch, the adjective form is common in employment, HR, and social policy discourse, and in consumer language describing entitlement or benefits, such as betaalde vakantiedagen or betaalde verlof (paid leave).

In contrast to betaalde, the related form betaald is the past participle used in passive constructions or as a predicate adjective in different contexts (de rekening is betaald, the bill has been paid). The distinction between betaalde (adjective or simple past) and betaald (past participle) is a key point in Dutch grammar.

See also: betalen; betaald; onbetaald; arbeid; salaris; loon; vakantiedagen.