gerechtvaardigde

Gerechtvaardigde is a Dutch term with two closely related uses: as an adjective and as a noun. As an adjective, gerechtvaardigd means justified, warranted, or legally/ morally acceptable. It is used to describe actions, decisions, or claims that have proper justification. For example, het besluit is gerechtvaardigd means the decision is justified.

As a noun, gerechtigde (plural gerechtigden) refers to a person who has a right, entitlement, or claim under law, regulation, or policy. In administrative or legal contexts, the gerechtigde is the party authorized to receive benefits or to exercise certain rights. Examples include a beneficiary of a social security benefit, a person who can request information, or a claimant with a legal right to compensation. The term is often contrasted with belanghebbende (interested party): a gerechtigde has a direct legal entitlement, whereas a belanghebbende may have an indirect interest.

Etymology and usage: the word derives from gerecht (right, entitlement) and the suffixes that form adjectives and nouns, yielding forms such as gerechtvaardigd and gerechtige. The noun is common in official language and appears in welfare, tax, and administrative texts. In practice, you will encounter phrases like “de gerechtigde” or “de gerechtigden” to denote those who may exercise rights or receive benefits.

Distinctions: gerechtvaardigd (the adjective) focuses on the justification of an action or decision, while gerechtigde (the noun) designates the person who holds a right. The terms intersect in contexts where a legally entitled person is affected by a decision or policy.

See also: gerechtvaardigd, recht, rechtvaardiging, belanghebbende, rechtspraak.