dankwoorden

Dankwoorden is a term used in Dutch-language publications to describe the acknowledgments section of a scholarly work, where the author expresses gratitude to individuals and organizations that contributed to the project. This section serves to recognize support received during the research and writing process, and it is commonly found in theses, dissertations, monographs, and other scholarly books.

Typical content of dankwoorden includes thanks to supervisors and mentors for guidance, colleagues and collaborators for intellectual contributions, editors and reviewers for feedback, and technical staff or librarians who assisted with resources and access. It often also acknowledges financial support from funding bodies, with reference to grant numbers when required, as well as institutions that provided facilities, access, or data. Individuals such as family, friends, or mentors who offered personal support may be mentioned as well, though the tone remains professional and sincere.

Style and tone are important: dankwoorden should be respectful, concise, and free of exaggeration. The language is usually first-person and direct, but unnecessary flattery or private matters are typically avoided. When guidelines exist, they should be followed, for example regarding the inclusion of grant numbers or the sequence of acknowledgments.

Placement and naming vary by publisher and discipline. In many Dutch works, the section is titled Dankwoord or Dankwoorden and appears in the front matter, often near the preface or table of contents, though some publications place it at the end. The practice aligns with the broader academic tradition of acknowledging support and influence in the creation of scholarly work. In English-language contexts, the equivalent section is commonly called Acknowledgments.