takken

Takken is the Dutch plural noun that refers to the branches or twigs of a tree or shrub. The singular form is tak. In botany and horticulture, takken are the parts of a plant that grow from the trunk or from larger limbs and serve to bear leaves, flowers, and fruit, as well as to provide structural support. They vary in size from small twigs to thick branches and can be described by condition (gezonde takken, dode takken), age, or position on the plant.

In gardening and forestry, takken are managed through pruning and thinning to improve airflow, light penetration, and overall tree health. Pruning techniques aim to remove dead or crossing branches and to shape the crown. The study of how branches develop is part of plant architecture and is relevant for pruning, grafting, and training fruit trees.

Takken can be used metaphorically to describe subdivisions within organizations or systems, such as regional offices or departments. The related term vertakking refers to branching or the formation of multiple branches.

Pronunciation: takken is pronounced [ˈtɑkən].

Etymologically, takken derives from the Dutch word tak, with the usual plural formation -en.