tegemoetbrengen

Tegemoetbrengen is a Dutch verb meaning to satisfy or accommodate someone’s wishes, needs, or requirements; to respond to a request or to align one’s actions with expectations. It is used in formal or professional contexts, such as business negotiations, customer service, and public administration.

The verb typically takes a direct object referring to what is being met or accommodated, such as het verzoek, de wensen, de eisen, or de behoeften. Example: De leverancier probeert de wensen van de klant tegemoet te brengen. In onderhandelingen kan men spreken over het tegemoetbrengen van eisen of wensen. In de voltooide tijd: Het bedrijf heeft de klant tegemoetgebracht.

A related noun is tegemoetkoming, which means a compensation, grant, or concession offered to someone. It is not a direct synonym of the verb, but expresses a concrete measure aimed at satisfying a need. Tegemoetkoming is common in contexts such as subsidies, allowances, or financial aid.

Tegemoetbrengen is often contrasted with tegemoetkomen; beide expressies relate to meeting or accommodating, but tegemoetkomen emphasizes the act of coming toward another’s position or interests, while tegemoetbrengen highlights bringing something in response to those wishes or needs. The verb is primarily found in formal or institutional language.

Etymology: The word combines tegemoet, meaning toward or in response to, with brengen (to bring), conveying the idea of bringing something toward someone in response to their wishes.