gids

Gids is a Dutch noun that refers to a person who guides others or to a thing that provides guidance. The most common use is for a tour guide—someone who leads visitors through a city, a museum, or a historic site. The term is also used for a guidebook or manual that offers information, directions, or instructions, such as a reisgids (travel guide) or a stadsgids (city guide). In digital contexts, a gids can denote a app or virtual assistant that provides directions or explanations, for example audio guides or interactive maps.

In plural form, the standard form is gidsen (de gids, twee gidsen). The word forms numerous compounds, including reisgids (travel guide), stadsgids (city guide), museumgids (museum guide), and others that describe a guide intended for a specific domain or audience. Guides may be professionals who are licensed or trained, or volunteers and informal guides in local communities. The role of a gids typically includes sharing knowledge, answering questions, and ensuring a smooth and safe experience for visitors.

Gidses appear in cultural, educational, and commercial contexts. In museums, a gids often provides context and storytelling alongside factual information. In tourism, guides contribute to the interpretation of sites and to the logistics of visits. Printed gidsen offer itineraries and practical advice, while digital gids enhance accessibility through maps and audio commentary. The term is widely used in Dutch-speaking regions and has close equivalents in other languages, such as guide or guía in related languages. See also: guidebook, travel guide, tour guide.