fungeren

Fungeren is a Dutch verb historically meaning to function, operate, or serve in a particular capacity. In contemporary standard Dutch, the preferred verb is functioneren; fungeren is largely considered archaic or regional, found mainly in older texts or dialects.

Usage and meaning: Functioneren describes how a device, process, organization, or person performs its function or operates correctly. It covers both mechanical operation and social roles. For example, de machine functioneert goed means the machine operates well. In contexts involving a person in a role, functioneren is also used, as in zij functioneert als voorzitter (she serves as chair).

Grammatical notes: Present tense forms are ik functioneer, jij functioneert, hij functioneert, wij functioneren, jullie functioneren, zij functioneren. The simple past is functioneerde; the past participle is gefunctioneerd, used with have or has in perfect tenses. The spelling fungeren exists mostly as an archaic or dialectal variant and is not preferred in modern written Dutch.

Origins and scope: The verb is closely linked to the noun functie (function, role). The modern form functioneren is derived from this root with the common Dutch -eren verb suffix. Fungeren, when encountered, typically appears in historical texts, older literature, or regional speech and is generally avoided in contemporary formal writing.

See also: functie, functioneren, Dutch verbs, Dutch orthography.