hetzelf

Hetzelf is a term found in Dutch that historically denotes “the self” or, in some contexts, “the very thing.” In modern standard Dutch, the word is rarely used; the common expressions are het zelf for “the self” and zichzelf or zichzelf for reflexive pronouns. The construction combines the neuter definite article het with zelf, and in older orthography it appears in variants such as hetzelve.

Usage of hetzelf is largely archaic or stylistic, and when it occurs it is typically in religious, philosophical, or grammatical discussions about identity, the self, or the nature of reference. Because it is not part of everyday vocabulary, it is mainly of historical or linguistic interest and is often found in older texts or studies of Dutch pronouns and determiners.

Etymology and forms: hetzelf derives from the same root as zelf, with het serving as a definite article. The form reflects older Dutch morphology, and you may encounter archaic variants such as hetzelven or hetzelve in historical sources. Modern editors typically replace it with het zelf or with other pronouns depending on function.

See also: Zelf, Het zelf, Zelve, Zichzelf, Hetzelfde. The term is usually discussed in the context of historical Dutch grammar, philology, or literary style, rather than as part of contemporary usage.