liefdadig

Liefdadig is a Dutch adjective meaning charitable, benevolent, or philanthropic in nature. It describes actions, organizations, or policies that aim to help people in need or improve social welfare. In everyday speech, one might speak of liefdadige daad (a charitable act) or of een liefdadigheidsorganisatie (a charitable organization). The term is closely linked to the noun liefdadigheid, which denotes charity or almsgiving.

The word stems from the noun liefdadigheid and the adjectival suffix -ig, forming a descriptor for things related to charity. Its use is common across the Dutch-speaking world, including the Netherlands and Flanders.

In modern Dutch, liefdadig is often used for charitable, benevolent, or philanthropic actions and institutions. It is generally neutral but can carry a sympathetic or praise-positive tone when used about nonprofit work. Near-synonyms include charitatief and filantropisch, with filantropisch often reserved for larger-scale or theoretical philanthropy; barmhartig emphasizes mercy rather than organized charity. The noun form liefdadigheid covers the broader concept of charity as a social practice.

See also: liefdadigheidsorganisatie, liefdadigheidswerk, charity or philanthropic activities in Dutch contexts.