blokcitaat

Blokcitaat is the Dutch term for a block quotation, a typographic element used to present an extended quotation that stands apart from the surrounding text. It signals to readers that a passage comes from another source and warrants special attention.

In typography and publishing, a blokcitaat is typically set off from the main text by indentation on one or both sides, and it may be given distinct styling such as different font size, weight, or line spacing. It is often introduced by the lead-in sentence or a dash, and is commonly accompanied by a citation of the source. The use of a blokcitaat helps readability by clearly demarcating quoted material and preserving its original context.

In digital content, the term is also associated with the HTML element blockquote, which semantically marks quoted material. A blokcitaat in this sense may include a cite attribute or a separate footer with the source reference. Web designers frequently combine blockquotes with CSS to adjust margins, borders, background color, or indentation to distinguish the quotation from the main text.

Accessibility considerations emphasize attributing the source clearly so screen readers can announce the content correctly as a quotation. When quotes are short or integrated into the narrative, inline quotation marks may suffice; blokcitaat is typically reserved for longer excerpts or those requiring distinct emphasis.

Etymology and usage: blokcitaat blends blok (block) with citaat (quotation). While rooted in traditional typography, the concept is widely used in both printed works and digital media, though styling and conventions vary by language region and style guide.