geldende

Geldende is a Dutch adjective and present participle derived from the verb gelden, which means to apply, to be valid, or to be in force. In use, geldende describes rules, laws, or norms that are currently in effect or applicable. It is common in legal and administrative contexts to distinguish what is currently obligatory from what has been superseded or proposed.

As a grammatical form, geldende is the attributive form used before a noun (for example, de geldende wet, de geldende regels). In English translations it is generally rendered as “applicable,” “in force,” or “currently in effect.” The concept is related to validity but typically emphasizes the status of a whole set of rules or a regime rather than a single document or provision.

Typical collocations include geldende wetgeving (the legislation currently in force), geldende normen (applicable norms), geldende verordening (applicable ordinance), and geldende recht (the law in force). The term appears in phrases such as de geldende regeling is van kracht sinds..., or de geldende regels vereisen toestemming, highlighting the ongoing applicability of the rules rather than their mere existence.

Geldende is primarily a legal and administrative term and contrasts with geldig, which refers to the validity of a specific item (for example, een geldig paspoort). While geldig speaks to individual documents or rights, geldende emphasizes the current, applicable framework of rules and laws governing a domain at a given time.