referensie

Referensie is a Dutch term that directly translates to “reference” in English. It refers to the practice of citing sources of information in written, spoken, or digital texts. The basic purpose of a referentie is to provide credit to original authors, to allow readers to verify the information, and to support the credibility of the work.

In academic and professional writing, referenties appear as in-text citations, footnotes, endnotes, or a bibliography. Common citation styles that structure referenties include APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard. Each style specifies how to format author names, publication dates, titles, and other bibliographic details. The reference list is usually placed at the end of a document and contains all sources that were cited in the text.

Beyond print, digital referenties are increasingly used to track sources on the internet. Hyperlinks, DOI numbers, and ISBNs help readers access the referenced material directly. Digital citation management tools such as Zotero, EndNote, and Mendeley automate the creation and formatting of referenties in multiple styles.

Referenties are also employed outside academia. In law, business reports, journalism, and scientific documentation, referencing ensures transparency, allows peer verification, and protects against plagiarism. Proper referentie practice is an essential component of knowledge production and intellectual exchange, promoting academic integrity and the traceability of ideas.