diensturen

Diensturen is a Dutch term that denotes the hours during which a service is offered or staff are on duty. It can refer to both public institutions such as government offices, banks, clinics, and museums, and private organizations like shops, call centers, or service counters. While closely related to opening hours (openingstijden), diensturen carries a slightly more formal or operational nuance and is often used to describe staff shifts or the official window during which a service is provided, regardless of whether a building is open to the public.

In practice, diensturen are published by organizations for customers or clients, typically on websites, at entrances, or in printed timetables. They may vary by day of the week, season, or holiday, and can include multiple blocks (for example morning and afternoon shifts) or exceptions for weekends and public holidays. Some services operate continuously or outside standard hours (such as 24/7 or 7 days a week); in these cases, diensturen indicate the periods during which service is staffed or available.

Etymology and related terms: Diensturen combines dienst (service or duty) with uren (hours). Related terms include openingstijden (opening hours) and dienstregeling (service schedule), which reflect related but distinct concepts of service availability and timetabling.