toekomst

Toekomst is the Dutch noun for the period of time that lies ahead of the present moment. Etymology: toe (to, toward) + komst (coming, arrival).

In daily use, toekomst refers to what will happen later, as in de toekomst, or future expectations like toekomstverwachtingen, toekomstvisie, toekomstdenken. It contrasts with verleden (past) and heden (present).

In philosophy and science, the toekomst is a topic in theories of time and causality. Some approaches, such as presentism, hold that only the present exists; others posit that the future is open with multiple possibilities. In physics and cosmology, time is treated as a dimension; predictions are probabilistic and contingent on events.

Practical use: individuals and organizations forecast the future to plan policy, economy, technology, and sustainability. Methods include forecasting, scenario planning, modeling, and risk assessment, all aimed at reducing uncertainty and guiding decision-making.

In Dutch culture, future-oriented thinking is common in education, urban planning, and innovation discourse. The concept remains central as societies address climate change, demographic shifts, and technological change.