signataren

Signataren is a term used in some languages, notably Dutch and related contexts, to denote the parties that have signed a treaty or international agreement. The singular form is signatar and the English equivalent is signatory; signatories may be listed as signataren in multilingual documents. The act of signing signals a political commitment and intent to be bound by the treaty, but in most legal systems the treaty becomes binding only after additional steps such as ratification, approval, or accession, in accordance with the treaty’s provisions.

In practice, signataren are typically states, international organizations, or other entities that have endorsed the instrument's text. Some treaties allow for provisional application or for certain rights and obligations to be exercised by signataren before full entry into force, while others require formal ratification to create binding obligations. The status of signataren is generally distinct from that of contracting parties: a treaty might have signataren who have signed but not yet ratified, and therefore are not yet fully bound in international law.

The designation often appears on treaty signature pages and in official records, where the signataren list identifies the entities that have expressed their intention to be bound. In multilingual contexts, differences in terminology can lead to confusion; English texts commonly use signatories, whereas Dutch and related languages use signataren.

See also: treaty, ratification, accession, reservation, contracting party, signatory.