toestande

Toestand is a Dutch noun meaning the condition, state, or situation of someone or something at a given moment. The plural toestanden refers to multiple states or conditions. The term is neutral and widely used in everyday language as well as in official reports, medical contexts, and technical writing.

Etymology and usage notes: The word is of Dutch origin, linked to the verb staan (to stand) and the noun Staat (state). It has a long history in the language and commonly appears in phrases such as "de toestand van ..." to describe the current state of a person, object, or system.

Contexts and examples: In health care, one speaks of "de toestand van de patiënt" (the patient’s condition). In engineering or maintenance, "de toestand van een apparaat" (the condition/status of a device) is a common phrase. In housing or everyday life, one can say that something is "in slechte toestand" or "in goede toestand" to indicate its condition. In reporting or analysis, toestanden can be used when referring to multiple conditions or scenarios, for example "toestanden in verschillende regio's." In meteorology and environmental discussions, the term is less common than "weertoestand" or "weersomstandigheden," which are more typical for weather conditions, though toestanden may still appear in broader contexts describing general conditions.

Related terms: In Dutch, related concepts include toestand (singular), situatie, omstandigheden, staat, and conditie. Toestand focuses on a concrete or observed state, while situatie emphasizes a particular set of circumstances and omstandigheden refer to surrounding factors.