vastlegt

Vastlegt is a Dutch verb form used to describe the act of recording, documenting, or fixing something in a durable form. It is the third-person singular present tense of the verb vastleggen, which means to set down in writing, to capture, or to commit information to a fixed record. The term is common in law, administration, journalism, science, and information technology.

Etymology and usage context: vastleggen combines vast (fixed) with leggen (to lay or place), conveying the idea of making a record permanent. In Dutch grammar, vastleggen is a separable verb; in present tense the prefix is separated. For example, "De notaris legt de akte vast" means the notary records the deed. The passive form is "wordt vastgelegd." A related noun is vastlegging, referring to the act or result of recording.

Forms and examples: Infinitive vastleggen; present tense forms include ik leg vast, jij legt vast, hij/zij/het legt vast, wij/jullie/zij leggen vast. Past participle is vastgelegd, used in perfect tenses such as heeft vastgelegd. In digital and archival contexts, phrases like "data wordt vastgelegd" describe data logging or capture.

Semantic notes: vastleggen connotes formalization and reliability, often implying legal or procedural significance. It contrasts with less formal terms like noteren (to note) or registreren (to register), though overlap exists in practice.

See also: documenteren, registreren, noteren, archiveren.