noem

Noem is a Dutch verb meaning to name, to mention, or to call something by a particular name. It is a regular verb within the conjugation of noemen. In present tense, ik noem means “I name,” jij noemt means “you name,” and hij/zij noemt means “he/she names.” The imperative singular form is Noem!, used to tell someone to name or mention something. The word also appears in common expressions, such as noem drie voorbeelden (“name three examples”) and noem maar op (“name a few,” meaning “and so on”). Another frequent construction is iemand bij de naam noemen, meaning to address someone by name or to name someone directly.

In addition to its verbal use, noem functions as the stem in related forms and compounds, including past and perfect tenses (noemde, genoemd). The term has cognates in related Germanic languages, including Afrikaans, where noem retains the same basic meaning of “to name” or “to mention.”

Noem also appears as a personal name in Dutch- and Afrikaans-speaking communities, though it is relatively uncommon. When used as a given name, it may stand alone or appear in a naming tradition within a family. The word’s primary sense, however, remains its function as a verb: to name, to mention, or to call something by its name.

Etymologically, noem is derived from the verb noemen, which shares origins with other Germanic forms for naming and naming-related actions. In ordinary language use, noem covers both the act of naming and the idiomatic expressions that invite or describe naming.