openhouden

Openhouden is a Dutch verb meaning to keep something open or to leave it unclosed. It is used in both literal senses, such as keeping a door, shop, or pathway open, and figurative senses, such as retaining options, lines of communication, or opportunities. The term emphasizes maintaining accessibility or availability rather than closing or sealing.

Grammatically, openhouden is a separable compound verb formed from the prefix open- and the verb houden (to hold). In present tense usage the prefix is separated: ik houd de deur open. In verleden tijd and perfect constructions the forms align with houden: wij hielden de deur open, wij hebben de deur opengehouden. The past participle is opengehouden. This separability means the verb’s position changes with sentence structure, especially in main clauses versus dependent clauses.

Common contexts for openhouden include retail and hospitality (keeping a shop or service open beyond standard hours), logistics (keeping a route or lane accessible), and strategic planning (keeping options or alternatives open). In communication, to keep lines or channels open is a frequent figurative usage, implying ongoing availability and responsiveness.

Examples:

- Ik houd de winkel tot tien uur open. (I keep the shop open until ten o’clock.)

- We houden de deur open zodat mensen naar binnen kunnen. (We keep the door open so people can come in.)

- Tijdens de onderhandelingen houden we de opties open. (During the negotiations we keep the options open.)

Related concepts include open houding, referring to an open attitude in interpersonal or professional contexts. Openhouden thus functions as a practical term across daily language and planning, signaling continuity and accessibility.