naargelang

Naargelang is a Dutch term functioning as a conjunction or adverb meaning in proportion to, according to, or depending on a given factor. It is used to express that a result or condition varies as another element changes.

Spelling and origins: The term can be written as two words, "naar gelang," or as a single word, "naargelang." Both forms are attested in contemporary Dutch, with some style guides favoring one form over the other depending on venue and period. The phrase derives from the preposition "naar" (toward, according to) combined with an older element related to “gelang” that conveyed fitting or accordance.

Usage and tone: Naargelang is more common in formal, literary, or official texts and is less frequently heard in everyday speech, where phrases like afhankelijk van or naar verhouding are typical substitutes. It often introduces a dependent phrase that specifies the varying factor: "naargelang de omstandigheden" or "naargelang het inkomen."

Grammatical notes and examples: It usually governs a following noun phrase or clause. Examples include: "Naargelang de temperatuur stijgt, verandert de energiebehoefte" and "De premie is naargelang van het inkomen." In the clause form, it can appear as "Naargelang de situatie, passen we ons beleid aan." It generally does not take a direct object.

Related terms: Naarmate (as, to the extent that, often temporal), afhankelijk van, en naar verhouding. The choice among these expressions depends on nuance and register.

In summary, naargelang expresses conditional variation or proportionality and remains a stylistic option in Dutch for indicating dependence on a specified factor.