inwerking

Inwerking is a Dutch noun that refers to the state of something being in effect or in operation, especially in the context of laws, regulations, or administrative measures. It conveys the practical impact or enforceability of a rule rather than its mere existence or wording.

Etymology and nuance: The term is built from in- (into, within) and werking (operation, functioning). It is related to but distinct from inwerkingtreding, which more directly denotes the moment a rule comes into force, and from werking, which can describe general functioning. Inwerking emphasizes the status of being active or applicable in practice.

Usage in law and administration: In legal language, inwerking is commonly used with phrases such as inwerking treden (to come into effect) and de inwerking van een regeling (the effect or impact of a regulation). The standard construction for timing is "treedt...in werking op [datum]" or simply "[datum] is de inwerking van de wet." The noun can refer to both the moment something becomes enforceable and its subsequent practical consequences.

Examples: De wet treedt per 1 januari 2025 in werking. De inwerking van de nieuwe regelgeving op bedrijven bleek groter dan verwacht. De inwerking van een besluit kan significante veranderingen in uitvoering en toezicht opleveren.

See also: Entering into force; legal in force; werking. Inwerking is most common in Dutch legal and administrative writing and is typically used in formal, technical contexts.