kliënt

A kliënt is a person or organization that receives professional services from a practitioner or service firm. The term is widely used in fields such as law, accounting, consulting, architecture, design, and healthcare, to denote the party for whom work is performed.

In professional services, the relationship is typically contractual and ongoing. The kliënt provides information and authorization as required, while the service provider owes duties of confidentiality, competence, and, where applicable, fiduciary responsibility. The kliënt expects tailored advice, diligent work, transparency about fees, and adherence to relevant professional standards and privacy laws.

Kliént is often contrasted with klant or consumer. The term emphasizes a professional relationship based on services rather than a simple transaction for goods. Depending on jurisdiction and discipline, the exact usage and distinctions between these terms can vary.

In information technology, a kliënt (often simply "client") is a program or device that requests resources or services from a server. The kliënt initiates requests, and the server processes them and returns data. Common examples include web browsers, email clients, and database clients, all operating within a client-server architecture.

Etymology and usage: The term derives from the French "client" and entered Dutch through historical borrowing. In modern Dutch, it is commonly written as "cliënt" in formal texts, though "kliënt" can appear in informal or regional contexts. The concept reflects the professional service dynamic as well as the client-server model in technology.