invaliden

Invaliden is a Dutch term historically used to refer to people who were disabled, especially those disabled by military service. In contemporary Dutch, the word is increasingly regarded as archaic or pejorative and is avoided in formal writing and policy language. Modern alternatives emphasize person-first language, such as personen met een beperking, or context-specific terms for veterans. The term may still appear in historical texts or in discussions about past welfare systems.

The word derives from the adjective invalid, itself from French invalidité, and entered Dutch via earlier usage. It has appeared in the history of social provision, with policies and institutions created to assist disabled people and veterans identified by the category of invaliden. Because of its association with disability as a stigma and with a past era's paternalistic care, the term invites careful handling in modern writing.

Today, many Dutch-language sources prefer neutral, person-centered language. In historical scholarship, invaliden is often presented as a label that reflected the social attitudes of its time rather than a precise description of individuals. Understanding the term involves looking at the evolution of social care, disability rights, and language practices in the Netherlands.