katernen

Katernen are a type of supplement or insert attached to a newspaper or magazine, designed to present content that goes beyond the daily news. They are typically published on a regular schedule—weekly, monthly, or with a specific issue—and distributed either as a separate booklet or as a distinct section within the main publication. The term is common in Dutch media, where katernen function as dedicated spaces for in-depth features.

Historically, katernen emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries as editors sought room for longer articles, essays, and thematic coverage without overloading the main news section. They often center on a particular topic such as culture, travel, science, lifestyle, or fashion. A katern may be produced by an editorial team within the publishing house or assembled with contributions from external writers and experts. The layout usually has a self-contained design and branding that distinguishes it from the main newspaper or magazine, while remaining part of the same publication group.

In practice, katernen serve several purposes: they attract readers with specialized content, provide a platform for long-form journalism and visual storytelling, and create additional advertising opportunities. With the rise of digital media, many koffie katernen have evolved into online sections, digital editions, or newsletters, preserving the thematic approach even as physical print supplements decline in some markets. The concept remains a recognizable format in Dutch media, while analogous insertions appear in other languages under terms like supplements or inserts.