toestellen

Toestellen is the plural noun in Dutch for devices or equipment that are designed to perform a specific function. The singular form is toestel. The term covers a wide range of objects, from everyday consumer electronics to specialized equipment used in industry, healthcare, science or construction. In everyday language, toestellen are tangible items that people use to carry out tasks, such as a telefoon, fototoestel or klok.

In usage, toestellen are often distinguished from the broader concept of apparatuur. While apparatuur can imply a larger system or collection of gear, toestellen typically refer to individual items or smaller devices within a category. Nevertheless, the distinction is not strict and contexts may vary; both words describe functional objects intended for practical work rather than purely ornamental items. Examples include huishoudelijke toestellen (household appliances), medische toestellen (medical devices) and laboratoriumtoestellen (laboratory instruments).

Etymologically, the word toestel is native to Dutch and is formed from roots related to the verb stellen, meaning to place or set, conveying the idea of something that has been placed in service for a purpose. The form toestellen follows the standard Dutch pluralization of the noun toestel. Related terms include apparaat and instrument, which can be used in similar contexts but carry slightly different emphasis.