middels

Middels is a term found in Dutch and Norwegian that functions as an adverb or preposition meaning by means of, through, or via. In English, its closest equivalents are by means of, through, or via. The word is used to indicate the instrument or method by which something is done and is most common in formal or written language.

In Dutch, middels is primarily employed in formal, bureaucratic, or legal prose. It can substitute for the longer phrase door middel van or via in concise formulations, though many speakers prefer the more everyday alternatives in casual speech. Its usage tends to appear in official texts, announcements, and documents, and it is often perceived as elevated or somewhat archaic in ordinary conversation. When used, it typically precedes a noun phrase that names the instrument or process, such as a method, device, or channel.

In Norwegian,middels similarly conveys instrumentality and is used in formal writing. It is less common in everyday speech, where gjennem, gjennom, or ved hjelp av are more typical choices. As in Dutch, middels signals that something is accomplished through a specific means, and it commonly appears in contexts such as official communications or legal texts.

Etymology and cross-language notes:middels has cognates in other Germanic languages and reflects a shared sense related to means or intermediacy. While its exact historical development varies by language, the core idea remains the same: identifying the vehicle, instrument, or method by which an action is achieved. See also: door middel van, via, med hjelp av, gjennom.