cijfers

Cijfers is a Dutch word that translates to numbers or figures in English. It covers digits used to write numbers, numerical data collected in research, statistics, economics, journalism, and everyday calculations. In common usage, cijfers describe quantitative results such as measurements, counts, prices, and percentages.

In Dutch, cijfer can also mean a school grade or a single numeral within a larger number, while getal more strictly denotes a mathematical quantity. The plural cijfers is used when referring to data points, statistics, or aggregate results. Cijfers are typically presented with units, scales, and sometimes uncertainty (for example, margins of error).

Interpreting cijfers requires attention to context: what is being measured, the population or timeframe, the denominator, sampling method, rounding, and whether a figure is an estimate or an exact count. In journalism and policy, cijfers are used to convey trends, compare groups, and inform decisions; their reliability depends on source quality and methodological transparency.

Common types include counts (aantal), rates (percentage), averages (gemiddelde), and indices (index). Calculations often rely on clear definitions and consistent units to allow meaningful comparisons.