hulp

Hulp is a Dutch noun that denotes aid, assistance, or support. It can refer to the act of helping as well as the resources or people who provide it. In ordinary use, sentences such as Ik heb hulp nodig and Dank je wel voor je hulp illustrate the distinction between needing aid and receiving it.

Etymology: The word harkens back to Old Dutch and is cognate with German Hilfe and English help, all from a common Germanic root meaning to aid or support. In modern Dutch, hulp remains a general term that covers both practical assistance and organized welfare.

Usage and context: hulp is used in many compounds. hulpverlener (care worker), hulpdienst (emergency service), noodhulp (emergency aid), and hulpverlening (the system or act of providing assistance, especially in healthcare, social work, or youth services). In grammar, hulpwerkwoord refers to an auxiliary verb that helps form tenses, voices, or moods. In computing and user interfaces, hulp serves as the label for the help feature in Dutch software and websites.

Social and policy context: Hulp can denote informal aid from family or friends as well as formal support from institutions. The term is central in Dutch welfare discussions, where it encompasses both immediate aid and longer-term support such as counseling, education, and housing assistance.