trouw

Trouw is a Dutch term that denotes fidelity or loyalty. It describes the quality of being faithful to another person, to a group, to a principle, or to a commitment. In everyday use people talk about being trouw aan iemand (faithful or loyal to someone) and about staying trouw in a relationship or in service to a cause. The concept also has strong associations with marriage, since loyalty and fidelity are central to the vows exchanged during a wedding and to the lifelong commitment implied by huwelijk (marriage). The related verb trouwen means to marry.

Etymology and related terms: Trouw originates in Old Dutch truuw or trouw and is related to German treu and English true, all from a common Proto-Germanic root meaning faithfulness. The word has cognates in other Germanic languages, reflecting a shared idea of fidelity.

Usage notes: As an adjective, trouw describes loyalty or faithfulness, as in een trouwe vriend (a loyal friend). As a noun, de trouw can refer to fidelity or loyalty itself, as well as to the fidelity expected in marriage or in a pledge to a cause. In religious or philosophical contexts, one speaks of trouw aan God or trouw aan een overtuiging. The verb trouwen denotes the act of marrying someone, while the noun for a wedding ceremony itself is more commonly expressed with huwelijks terms such as huwelijk or ceremonie.

Cultural references: Trouw is also the name of a Dutch daily newspaper founded during World War II, which has carried the meaning of fidelity and truth into its title and branding.

See also: getrouwd, trouwambtenaar, ondertrouw.